Tue Sep 23 18:20:00 UTC 2025: **Chelsea Warned Against Complacency Ahead of Carabao Cup Clash with Lincoln City**

**London, UK -** Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has cautioned his squad against complacency as they prepare to face League One side Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Speaking ahead of the match, Maresca expressed his concern about the potential for an upset, stating, “These are the games that worry me the most because you can slip very easily. I am very worried about that.”

Chelsea, aiming for a strong EFL Cup run, will likely be without Cole Palmer, who is nursing a groin injury being monitored game-by-game. However, Maresca emphasized the team’s attacking depth, hinting that Alejandro Garnacho could make his first start for the Blues.

Lincoln City, currently third in League One and unbeaten in their last five matches, will be looking to cause an upset at home. Manager Michael Skubala acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete. “Chelsea coming to town is a really exciting thing, and we’ll put a team on the pitch who we think can win the game,” Skubala said. “We truly believe, at home, if we do our stuff and look after the way we want to play, we can cause damage and hurt teams.”

The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports+ in the UK, Paramount+ in the U.S., FanCode in India, and BeIN Sports in Australia.

**Match Details:**

* **Date:** Tuesday, September 23
* **Time:** 7:45 p.m. BST (2:45 p.m. ET)

**Injury Concerns:**

Chelsea faces a number of injury concerns. Cole Palmer is listed as doubtful with a groin issue, while Robert Sanchez is suspended. Benoît Badiashile, Dário Essugo, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, and Romeo Lavia are all ruled out with longer-term injuries.

**Predicted Lineups:**

* **Lincoln City:** Wickens; Darikwa, Jackson, Bradley, Reach; Street, McGrandles, Bayliss, House; Collins, Draper
* **Chelsea:** Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Hato; Santos, Fernández; Estevao, Gittens, Garnacho; Guiu

In other news, Enzo Maresca remains hopeful that Cole Palmer will avoid surgery. The Chelsea manager also defended his treatment of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi.

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