Cardiff vs Chelsea Tips, Predictions & Latest Odds
Cardiff City have enjoyed an outstanding run to the quarter-finals.
The Bluebirds have eliminated higher-ranked opponents in each of the last two rounds — most notably Premier League side Burnley in round three — underlining how comfortable they’ve been playing the role of underdog.
That label doesn’t apply domestically, however. Cardiff sit top of League One and warmed up for this clash with a dramatic 99th-minute winner over Doncaster at the weekend, a result that preserved their four-point lead at the summit.
Promotion ambitions are temporarily set aside for what is Cardiff’s first quarter-final appearance in this competition since their run to the final in 2011/12. With six wins from their last seven matches, Brian Barry-Murphy’s side arrives in strong form and with little reason to be dismissed lightly.
Cardiff vs Chelsea Tips
Chelsea’s build-up has been overshadowed by Enzo Maresca’s post-match outburst following Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton.
The head coach described the preceding 48 hours as the worst since his arrival at the club, though his refusal to elaborate has left supporters guessing. That victory did at least halt a four-game winless run, but concerns remain away from home, where Chelsea have managed just one win in their last five outings.
History is firmly on their side in this competition — five straight League Cup quarter-final victories should inspire confidence — yet having already been pushed hard by Cardiff’s League One rivals Lincoln earlier in the tournament, this may prove a sterner test than the betting suggests.
Let’s take a look at the best football tips for Tuesday night’s clash:
Tip 1: Marc Guiu - Anytime goalscorer at 5/4 with William Hill
As Enzo Maresca looks to shuffle his Chelsea pack once again, expect Spanish striker Marc Guiu to get another runout.
His last goal came in the Champions League against Ajax, but with limited game time the 19-year-old has struggled to kick on.
Guiu looks like a decent poacher — as was underlined during his successful Conference League campaign last season — and a goal against this Cardiff defence is certainly in his wheelhouse.
Tip 2: Chelsea to win by 3 goals at 9/2 with bet365
Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton at the weekend could well have ended their bad run of form.
Maresca has the knack of getting Chelsea through the biggest matches in their week, and a chance to reach the League Cup semi-final should be top of the Italian’s list.
Cardiff are the flat-track bullies in League One at the moment, but will soon notice the gulf in class between them and their Premier League visitors.
Chelsea to win by three goals (either 0-3 or 1-4) looks good at 9/2.
Tip 3: Both Teams to Score and Estevao: 2+ Shots on Target and Yousef Salech: 2+ Shots on Target at 22/1 with bet365
If anyone is to find the net for the hosts, it’s most likely going to be their Danish striker Yousef Salech.
He has bagged nine in his last 14 matches, scoring a brace against Huddersfield and also notching up assists.
Chelsea’s teenage superstar Estevao is due a start after being left out of the last few Enzo Maresca starting line-ups, and will be eager to state his case on the right of the Chelsea attack.
These two players to notch up 2+ shots on target each in a BTTS pick looks good at a big 22/1 pick.
Where to Watch Cardiff vs Chelsea
Cardiff vs Chelsea on Tuesday 16 December is available to watch live on UK television via Sky Sports channels, the key information you need has been collected by Free Bets for you, and it's all below.
TV Channel
The Cardiff vs Chelsea Carabao Cup quarter-final will be broadcast in the UK on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, meaning UK viewers with a Sky Sports subscription should be able to watch the game live.
Live Stream Information
UK live streaming for Cardiff vs Chelsea is available via Sky Go and the Sky Sports+ app for subscribers that include Sky Sports in their package, and it should also be accessible on NOW UK if you have purchased the relevant Sky Sports pass for the match.
Cardiff vs Chelsea Match Information
You've seen our tips and what the best betting sites think, now here's everything you need to know before kick-off.
Kick-Off Time
Cardiff vs Chelsea will kick off at 8:00pm on Tuesday evening, with this evening fixture scheduled as part of the EFL (Carabao) Cup quarter-final action.
Fixture Date
The cup tie between Cardiff City and Chelsea takes place on Tuesday 16 December 2025, when the two sides meet for a Carabao Cup quarter-final in South Wales.
Stadium
The fixture is being played at the Cardiff City Stadium, which is the home ground of Cardiff City.
More Football Tips
With plenty of football on the horizon, you can see more Premier League tips from our experts below.
