EFL Cup | Third Round

Sep 24, 2024 at 7.45pm UK

Stamford Bridge

Chelsea vs Barrow

Match preview

Despite all the off-field drama that has surrounded the club over the summer, Enzo Maresca has done an excellent job so far of keeping his players focused on their on-field matters instead, and to great effect.

A thumping 3-0 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday saw them end the day in the top four, keep back-to-back clean sheets for the first time in a year, and extend their Premier League form to just two defeats in 20.

With the win over the Hammers, Maresca has become the first manager since his mentor Pep Guardiola to win their first three Premier League away games, with the Manchester City boss doing so back in 2015.

Nicolas Jackson's brace inside 18 minutes was the quickest by any Chelsea player since Didier Drogba back in 2005, and Cole Palmer added a superb third goal on the break early in the second half.

With a congested schedule to come with Chelsea back fighting on four fronts again this season, the priority will be on their clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.

The Blues' Conference League campaign starts in a week's time against Gent, and both that encounter, and this cup tie against Barrow, are likely to see Maresca make wholesale changes.

This is their first domestic cup tie of the season, after receiving a bye through the second round due to their European involvement in August.

Despite numerous successes in the 21st century, Chelsea have not won the EFL Cup since 2015, losing three finals since, including in February's showpiece event, when they were humbled at Wembley by a very youthful Liverpool side.

Barrow's reward for reaching the third round for the first time in over half a century is a dream trip to Stamford Bridge.

The club have only been back in the EFL Cup for five years, following their promotion from the National League, and the in-form fourth-tier side will hope to give a good account of themselves here.

After being eliminated in round one by Bolton Wanderers last season, Barrow made amends by beating Port Vale and Derby County to set up this clash with Chelsea.

Stephen Clemence's side come into the tie at the League Two summit after a 2-0 win over Newport County on Saturday, having taken 16 points from a possible 21 so far.

Recent Performance

Chelsea form (all competitions):

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Barrow EFL Cup form:WW

Barrow form (all competitions):

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Injuries and Suspensions

Chelsea

24 Reece James

Barrow

No sidelined players

Possible starting lineups

Chelsea(4-2-3-1)

1Sánchez(GK)

29Fofana(DR)

6Colwill(DC)

4Adarabioyo(DC)

3Cucurella(DL)

8Fernández(DMC)

25Caicedo(DMC)

11Madueke(AMR)

20Palmer(AMC)

19Sancho(AML)

15Jackson(FW)

Barrow(4-2-3-1)

1Farman(GK)

2Eccleston(DR)

6Canavan(DC)

42Vassell(DC)

30Jackson(DL)

16Foley(DMC)

4Campbell(DMC)

11Newby(AMR)

19Telford(AMC)

17Kouyate(AML)

10Garner(FW)