Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 12:44 pm GMT
Chelsea FC is set to kick off its Carabao Cup journey against League Two side Barrow on Tuesday, September 24. With a significant ranking gap of 64 places between the two teams, Chelsea has a strong advantage as they seek to progress in a tournament they reached the finals of last season. Fans can anticipate a thrilling match at Stamford Bridge and hope for a decisive victory against their lower-division opponents.
Match Details
Chelsea’s clash with Barrow is scheduled for:
- Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
- Kick-off Time: 7:45 PM BST
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Fans will be able to watch the game live on Sky Sports+, and subscribers can stream it through the Sky Go app. Live coverage of the match, including updates and commentary, will also be available on Standard Sport’s dedicated blog.
Chelsea’s Form and Squad Insights
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea is in excellent form, riding high after a commanding 3-0 victory against West Ham United last weekend. This win kept them in the top four of the Premier League and marked a notable offensive performance:
- Nicolas Jackson scored a brace within the first 18 minutes, a feat not seen since Didier Drogba in 2005.
- Cole Palmer added a third, solidifying Chelsea’s dominance in the match.
Despite injury concerns, the squad remains optimistic. Key players Malo Gusto and Reece James are expected to miss the game, but Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were included in the recent matchday squad.
“Anything but a convincing Chelsea win would be a huge disappointment,” says a source close to the team.
Maresca is likely to rotate his squad given the match’s significance and their upcoming matches, which include a clash with Brighton and the start of their Conference League campaign against Gent.
Barrow’s Journey to the Third Round
Barrow comes into this match with historical significance. It’s their first appearance in the third round of the EFL Cup in over 50 years. After suffering an early exit in last season’s competition, they redeemed themselves by overcoming both Port Vale and Derby County to secure their spot against Chelsea.
Currently sitting atop League Two, Barrow is riding a wave of momentum following a 2-0 victory over Newport County. Coach Stephen Clemence has managed to instill a winning mentality in the squad, garnering 16 points from a possible 21 this season.
“This is a dream match for us, and we hope to put on a good show,” stated a Barrow representative.
Predictions and Expectations
Chelsea is the overwhelming favourite to win this match, reflecting the disparity between the two teams. Betting odds show Chelsea favored at 1/25, while a win for Barrow stands at a long-shot 75/1. Despite Barrow’s impressive form in League Two, they face a tough challenge against a Premier League side stacked with talented players.
In terms of team selection, it is expected that Chelsea may employ significant changes, possibly making up to 11 adjustments to their starting lineup. This could feature players like Christopher Nkunku, who is anticipated to take on a leading role in attack.
Possible Starting Lineups
- Chelsea’s Potential Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Jorgensen
- Defenders: Disasi, Badiashile, Tosin, Colwill
- Midfielders: Renato Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall
- Forwards: Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Mudryk, Nkunku
- Barrow’s Potential Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Stanway
- Defenders: Feely, Vassell, Stokes, Jackson
- Midfielders: Campbell, Foley, Spence
- Forwards: Kouyate, Garner, Newby
Conclusion
As Chelsea gets ready to play against Barrow, the game at Stamford Bridge is sure to be exciting. Chelsea wants to keep winning, while this match is a big moment for Barrow. With a strong team and good weather, many think Chelsea will win easily and move forward in the Carabao Cup. Fans and experts will be paying close attention to this game. We’ll have to wait and see if Barrow can surprise everyone, because in football, anything can happen!
