Overview
Coach Michael Skubala's team is going through an impressive campaign. They have only lost once in all competitions in their bid for promotion to the Championship.
In their most recent appearance, Lincoln continued their 1-0 win over Burton Albion in League One with a convincing performance, defeating Luton Town 3-1. It was also their 10th consecutive unbeaten match.
This result helped the squad of Skubala rise to third place in the League One rankings, just 1 point behind the second-placed team Stevenage and 2 points behind the leader of Bradford City.
Despite the difference in class compared to their opponents in the upcoming match, the home team at LNER is still full of confidence thanks to their impressive achievements. They are unbeaten in their last 7 home matches (5 wins, 2 draws).
Lincoln beat Harrogate Town and Burton to qualify for the third round of the Carabao Cup. And they will be very excited to try their hand at a top opponent in the enthusiastic cheers of the home crowd.
Enzo Maresca's Chelsea ended last season in fourth place. However, entering the 2025-2026 season, they have shown instability when they have only won 2 out of 5 matches played in the Premier League.
Last weekend, The Blues suffered a 1-2 defeat to Manchester United, in a match where goalkeeper Robert Sanchez received an early red card, disrupting Maresca's plan. The Italian tactician was forced to adjust personnel, withdrawing Pedro Neto, Estevao and Cole Palmer in the first half, but in the end Chelsea were left empty-handed.
With 8 points after 5 rounds, the London team temporarily ranked sixth, 7 points behind the leading team Liverpool and 2 points behind the fourth place of Bournemouth.
Chelsea have been regularly criticized in recent seasons for their way of operating both on and off the pitch. However, they still have titles, typically the UEFA Conference League championship last season, and at the same time take advantage of this tournament to give opportunities to young players.
Chelsea's last Carabao Cup final was in 2024, when they lost to Liverpool. This season, The Blues will aim to win the championship, while testing potential reserve players in the squad.
Personnel situation
Lincoln will not have the service of versatile attacking midfielder Jack Moylan due to an ankle injury, while left winger Dom Jefferies is still uncertain to play due to a hip problem. That opens up opportunities for Oscar Thorn, Francis Okoronkwo and Freddie Draper to form an attack against Chelsea.
In defense, right-back Dexter Lembikisa - a player loaned to Wolves - has not yet debuted. If he is not ready, Lewis Montsma will likely be chosen.
On Chelsea's side, Enzo Maresca continues to have a headache with a long injury list. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is suspended after his red card against Man United, so Filip Jorgensen is expected to start.
This match also came too early with Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile, forcing Maresca to most likely use the duo Tosin Adarabioyo - Trevoh Chalobah in the center of defense. Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez will partner Andrey Santos in midfield.
The Blues also will not have the services of Liam Delap and Levi Colwill due to long-term injuries. Cole Palmer could be in, but his fitness still needs to be carefully assessed.
Expected lineup:
Lincoln City: Jeacock, Montsma, Jackson, Bradley, reach, House, Barbrook, Ring, Thorn, Draper, Okoronkwo.
Chelsea: Jorgensen, gust, Tosin, Chalobah, Hato, Santos, Fernandez, Garnacho, Estevao, Gittens, Guiu.
The match between Lincoln and Chelsea takes place at 1:45 am on September 24 (Vietnam time).
