The Blues confidently progressed to the quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers, setting the stage for a showdown with Newcastle, who avenged last season's Wembley defeat to Manchester United with a commanding 3-0 win.
Chelsea, in the process of rebuilding their fortress at Stamford Bridge, spread some festive cheer during the weekend's match against Sheffield United. Mauricio Pochettino's men, aiming to overcome recent setbacks against Everton and Manchester United, faced a resilient Blades defense.
While it took some time, Cole Palmer broke the resistance with a goal in the 54th minute, then turned provider for Nicolas Jackson to score a straightforward tap-in. The victory elevated Chelsea to the 10th spot in the table.
Although Sunday's results could potentially drop Chelsea back into the bottom half of the standings, the focus on Tuesday will be on the EFL Cup, where Chelsea aims to extend their near-unblemished run. Playing all three ties at home, Chelsea has overcome AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Blackburn on their home turf to reach this stage.
The hosts have confidence, having triumphed in each of their last four EFL Cup quarter-final ties. Not since a 2013-14 extra-time loss to Sunderland have they been eliminated at this stage, maintaining a scoring record of at least twice in every home game during their four-match unbeaten run.
On the other side, Newcastle United, dealing with an overflowing infirmary and low morale from their European exit, faced Fulham on Saturday with some apprehension. However, after Raul Jimenez's dismissal, the Magpies found their rhythm, securing a straightforward victory with goals from 17-year-old Lewis Miley, Miguel Almiron, and Dan Burn.
This success followed a tough three-game losing streak for Eddie Howe's side, who eliminated both Manchester giants, including a 3-0 win over reigning champions Manchester United.
Newcastle, seeking redemption after last season's Wembley disappointment, will strive for a spot in the EFL Cup semi-finals, a stage they have reached just six times since the turn of the millennium. Despite a challenging away record with five winless games, Howe's team is buoyed by their recent 4-1 victory over Chelsea in the North East, extending their unbeaten run against the Blues to three games in emphatic fashion.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
At Stamford Bridge over the weekend, Chelsea fans got a glimpse of Christopher Nkunku on the bench as the French attacker returned from his troublesome knee injury. This has sparked hopes of a long-awaited debut for him this week.Unfortunately, several key players will be absent for Chelsea, including Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, and Romeo Lavia due to various injuries. However, Noni Madueke, recovering from a muscle issue, is back in full training.
Pochettino's strategic decision to bench Enzo Fernandez paid off in the previous match. Still, there are considerations for recalls, including Armando Broja and the now-fit Malo Gusto.
While Chelsea didn't add to their injury list over the weekend, Newcastle continues to grapple with fitness challenges. Joelinton and Fabian Schar both left the field in the first half against Fulham with muscular problems. Schar is believed to have a tweaked gluteal muscle, and there are concerns that Joelinton has a hamstring strain. They join a lengthy injury list, including Sandro Tonali, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett, Javi Manquillo, Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock, and Harvey Barnes.
Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak also need further assessment ahead of the quarter-final. However, Chelsea-owned Lewis Hall has been cleared to face his parent club.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Maatsen; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sterling, Gallagher, Palmer; Broja
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Krafth, Lascelles, Botman, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Ritchie, Wilson, Almiron
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
Chelsea is unlikely to experience a recurrence of the disastrous 4-1 defeat from last month. Instead, they can take advantage of Newcastle's fatigue and worsening injury situation to move a step closer to EFL Cup glory.
