Lincoln City vs Chelsea Preview, Betting Odds and Predictions – 23/09/25

Lincoln City are set to welcome Chelsea to the LNER Stadium on Tuesday evening for an EFL Cup third-round clash. The League One promotion hopefuls will go against Premier League giants in hopes of cup glory. The Imps are looking to extend their strong unbeaten run, while the Blues aim to bounce back from two straight defeats.

Michael Skubala’s side are in excellent domestic form and will be buoyed by their recent win against Luton Town. With thar win, they stretched their unbeaten streak to 10 matches. Chelsea, meanwhile, enter this tie under pressure after a stuttering start to the campaign. Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate his squad for the midweek fixture.

Lincoln City vs Chelsea Best Bets

Lincoln City vs Chelsea Preview

Lincoln City

The home side will be without midfielder Jack Moylan due to an ankle injury. Meanwhile Dom Jefferies faces a race against time to recover from a hip problem. That leaves Oscar Thorn and Francis Okoronkwo as potential partners for Freddie Draper in attack. 

Defensive loanee Dexter Lembikisa is still awaiting his debut. Lewis Montsma could again fill in at right-back if he is not ready to feature. With a strong home record and momentum behind them, the Imps will see this as a golden chance to test themselves against elite opposition.

Also Read: Levante vs Real Madrid Preview, Betting Odds and Predictions – 23/09/25

Chelsea

Chelsea have several key absences to manage. It starts with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has been suspended after his red card against Manchester United. Hence, Filip Jorgensen is likely to step in between the posts. Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile remain sidelined.

So Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah could anchor the defence, while Andrey Santos may partner Enzo Fernandez in midfield. Long-term injuries to Liam Delap and Levi Colwill persist and Cole Palmer faces a late fitness test on a groin issue. Despite the setbacks, Maresca is expected to rotate but still succeed as Chelsea look to progress.

Lincoln City vs Chelsea Over/ Under Predictions

Total Goals Over 2.5 @ -250 as per BetMGM:

Chelsea are widely expected to dominate this fixture, making over 2.5 goals a likely outcome. The Blues are averaging at an approximately 2.33 goals per match in the Premier League this season.  Meanwhile, Lincoln City have conceded more than once per game overall in League One. They’ve proven to be especially vulnerable at home versus stronger sides.  Given Chelsea’s attacking firepower and Lincoln’s defensive lapses, expectations lean toward a margin of multiple goals, justifying the -250 line for over 2.5 goals. 

Lincoln City vs Chelsea Player Picks

Joao Pedro to score anytime @ -125 as per FanDuel:

Joao Pedro has been among Chelsea’s more reliable offensive threats lately. He is tied at the top of their goalscoring charts this season with two goals, sharing the spot with Enzo Fernandez and others. His positioning and scoring frequency provide solid value in a match where Chelsea are likely to create many opportunities. Against a side like Lincoln City whose defense has shown cracks, Pedro has a good chance to find the net.

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Enzo Fernandez to either score or assist anytime @ -110 as per FanDuel:

Enzo Fernandez has also been in strong form, contributing goals and creating chances. He is one of Chelsea’s leading scorers so far, also with two goals this season.  His creative role in midfield makes him dangerous. He is likely to be involved in both buildup and finishing moves. When a game is expected to be open and with Chelsea pushing forward, he provides good odds to either set up or score.

Lincoln City vs Chelsea Predictions

Also Read: Ousmane Dembele Crowned Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Winner

Chelsea are capable of controlling possession, applying pressure early, and exploiting any gaps. Lincoln may put up resistance, especially at home. Chelsea’s goal threat combined with their forward players in good nick suggest a comfortable win in this match for the visitors.

Final Prediction: Lincoln City 0-3 Chelsea

Taking into account Chelsea’s superior scoring rate, Lincoln’s defensive vulnerabilities, and the Blues’ urgency after recent poor results, a 3-0 away win feels realistic.

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.

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