Chelsea Set to Face Barrow AFC in Historic Carabao Cup Clash

The upcoming clash between Chelsea and Barrow AFC in the third round of the Carabao Cup marks a significant encounter as it rekindles a football memory for the first time since 1948. The two teams last met at Stamford Bridge in an FA Cup tie where Chelsea triumphed 5-0.

Barrow AFC, currently leading League Two, is embarking on just their third appearance at this stage of the League Cup. Their previous attempts in 1962 and 1967 saw them defeated by Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday, respectively. This fixture offers Barrow a chance to improve their record as they prepare to face the five-time League Cup winners.

Chelsea has traditionally excelled against lower-league opposition in this competition, having recently defeated teams like AFC Wimbledon and Middlesbrough en route to the final last year, where they narrowly lost to Liverpool. The team, managed by head coach Enzo Maresca, looks to construct a successful run in the League Cup, despite it being eight years since their last win.

In a press conference, Maresca confirmed that Malo Gusto is fit for selection, although Roméo Lavia remains sidelined. Key players including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Ben Chilwell are expected to feature in the squad. Maresca emphasized the opportunity to offer playing time to emerging talent within the squad: “Yeah, it could be the chance also to give them some minutes; in the same way we have done in the Conference League, we try to share minutes with them,” he remarked.

The Chelsea-Barrow match is set to kick off at 7:45 pm at Stamford Bridge. Unlike many high-profile fixtures, this match will not utilize Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, and any draw after 90 minutes will be resolved through penalties.

The draw for the next round of the Carabao Cup is scheduled to take place on Sky Sports after the match between Liverpool and West Ham, adding further anticipation to Chelsea’s fixture as they aim to progress in this year’s competition.