Premier League side Chelsea are the overwhelming favourite to win their EFL Cup tie against League Two outfit Barrow on Tuesday night.
We're expecting wholesale changes to the Chelsea starting lineup but let's face it, Enzo Marsesca easily has the depth of squad to field a second string that would stand a good chance of beating most other Premier League sides let alone little old Barrow.
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Chelsea vs Barrow prediction: Victory and a clean sheet for the home side?
Key Stats
- Barrow top the League Two table but have lost twice in league and cup this season.
- Chelsea have won four of their last six matches in all competitions and sit fourth in the Premier League.
- Christopher Nkunku should be in line to start for Chelsea on Tuesday night ahead of Nicolas Jackson.
Correct score prediction: Chelsea 5-0 Barrow
We're expecting Chelsea's second string to make light work of a BArrow side that will be concentrating on earning promotion from League Two this season, the home side will win this game but it's a case of how many goals they will win by in our opinion.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Odds stacked against Barrow
- HOME: 1/25 (1.04) – 96.2%
- DRAW: 18/1 (19.00) – 5.3%
- AWAY: 75/1 (76.00) – 1.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Chelsea are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 96.2% and we can't see this game ending in anything but victory for the hosts.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: First-ever encounter
Tuesday's EFL Cup tie marks an historic day for both clubs as this is the first time the pair have ever played against one another.
England EFL Cup 17/09/24
Chelsea
Barrow
Chelsea preview: Maresca to experiment
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is in a great position right now as his team are playing well and this EFL Cup tie will allow the Argentine to try out some of his fringe players.
The Blues beat West Ham 3-0 at the weekend and we can only see one or two players from that starting lineup featuring against Barrow on Tuesday night.
Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto and Omari Kellyman are the four main injury concerns for the home side, though, Lavia could pass a late fitness test.
Predicted lineup: Jorgensen (GK), Disasi, Badiasheile, Veiga, Adarabioyo, Dewsbury-Hall, Chukwuemeka, Neto, Felix, Mudryk & Nkunku
UEFA Conference League 03/10/24
W
Gent
2
Chelsea
4
England Premier League 28/09/24
W
Brighton
2
Chelsea
4
England EFL Cup 24/09/24
W
Barrow
0
Chelsea
5
England Premier League 21/09/24
W
West Ham
0
Chelsea
3
England Premier League 14/09/24
W
Bournemouth
0
Chelsea
1
Barrow preview: Enjoy the occasion
Stephen Clemence, the former Tottenham midfielder, has done a great job with Barrow this season, guiding the club to the top of League Two after seven games.
We're expecting Barrow to give it their best shot on Tuesday night but their focus has to be on the league as the club have emerged as early promotion favourites.
Predicted lineup: Townsend (GK), Evans, Glennon, Jameson, Baker, Morris, Evans, Baker-Richardson, Kamwa, Hudlin & Rai
England League 2 01/10/24
L
Doncaster
1
Barrow
0
England League 2 28/09/24
L
Gillingham
2
Barrow
0
England EFL Cup 24/09/24
L
Chelsea
5
Barrow
0
England League 2 21/09/24
W
Newport County
0
Barrow
2
England League 2 14/09/24
W
Grimsby
1
Barrow
2
Player to watch: Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku's time on the pitch has been limited since he joined Chelsea last season due to injury and the form of other players.
However, the forward scored the winner after coming off the bench against Bournemouth and has done enough in his other substitute appearances to have earned a start in the ELF Cup this week.
Will Nkunku get a chance to impress from the start against Barrow?
We're backing Nkunku to add to his goal tally on Tuesday night in what should be a dominating display from Chelsea's second string.
