Chelsea Edge Cardiff to Reach Carabao Cup Semi-Finals

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Cardiff City highlighted the difference in levels among their first-team squad as the Blues head towards the start of 2026.

Enzo Maresca handed plenty of fringe players the chance to make an impact in a big game for Chelsea, but it was his substitutions that ultimately secured the 3-1 victory.

Joao Pedro emerged as the unsung hero after Marc Guiu struggled in a rare start for the Blues. Summer signing Jamie Gittens, meanwhile, continued to face a tough start to life at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian was joined off the bench by Alejandro Garnacho, who scored a brace, and Pedro Neto, who also found the net.

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Pedro Neto Earns Praise from Alan Smith

The Portugal international has stepped up for Maresca this season in the absence of Cole Palmer, scoring six goals and assisting three so far. Neto’s crisp strike gave Chelsea the lead after Cardiff had pegged them back, impressing Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith.

Smith said: “He’s been a really good signing for Chelsea. Consistent whenever called upon, and this was a clean strike. Little bit of swerve on it as well. Through the legs, and it gets a little clip off Fagan which makes life even more difficult for Trott in goal.”

With Estevao Willian unavailable for the weekend clash against Newcastle, Neto looks set to return to the starting XI.

Chelsea’s Front Four Against Newcastle Takes Shape

Despite needing to rely on their bench against Cardiff, one positive for Chelsea was surviving without Palmer in their matchday squad. The Blues are carefully managing his return, but he is expected to feature behind the striker on Saturday.

Pedro will lead the attack without the competition of Liam Delap, while last night’s goalscorers, Garnacho and Neto, will start out wide to provide pace and threat to Newcastle’s backline.

Eddie Howe’s side will be reeling from a tough defeat to Sunderland last time out, though they will have the chance to restore some pride in the Carabao Cup clash against Fulham before facing Chelsea.