Lincoln vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips (23 September)

Lincoln City welcome Premier League giants Chelsea to the LNER Stadium on September 23rd in the third round of the EFL Cup, a fixture that promises more than just a routine cup tie. The Imps, under the guidance of head coach Mark Skubala, have quietly built momentum in League One, going unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent 1-0 win away at Burton Albion showcased a disciplined defensive shape and a growing confidence in possession. With no injury concerns reported, Lincoln will field a full-strength squad, and the home crowd will be eager to see their side test Chelsea’s depth.

Chelsea arrive with a blend of optimism and caution. Enzo Maresca’s side has had a mixed start to the season, showing flashes of brilliance—such as the 5-1 demolition of West Ham—but also moments of inconsistency, including a 2-2 draw with Brentford. The Blues are dealing with a string of injuries: Benoît Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, and Liam Delap are all sidelined, while Cole Palmer remains doubtful. Despite this, Chelsea’s attacking options remain potent, with Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, and Palmer (if fit) expected to feature prominently. The EFL Cup offers Maresca a chance to rotate and experiment, but Lincoln’s resilience could make that a risky proposition.



Tactically, Lincoln will likely adopt a compact 4-2-3-1, aiming to frustrate Chelsea’s midfield and exploit transitions. Players like Ethan Erhahon and Reeco Hackett have been instrumental in driving Lincoln’s tempo, while striker Ben House remains a threat in the box. Chelsea, meanwhile, will lean on their technical superiority and wide play, with Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto providing width and Moisés Caicedo anchoring the midfield. The key battle may unfold in the middle third, where Lincoln’s pressing could disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm and force errors.

While Chelsea are clear favorites on paper, cup competitions have a habit of rewriting expectations. Lincoln’s form and unity, combined with Chelsea’s injury list and potential squad rotation, set the stage for a tighter contest than many anticipate. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of Chelsea feels plausible—Lincoln to strike first and rattle the visitors, before Chelsea’s quality eventually turns the tide. It won’t be a walkover, and if the Imps can harness the energy of the home crowd, they might just push the Blues to their limit.

• Summary: Lincoln City is going head to head with Chelsea starting on 23 Sept 2025 at 18:45 UTC at Sincil Bank stadium, Lincoln city, England. The match is a part of the EFL Cup .
• Referee: Matt Donohue