Chelsea Aims for Redemption Against Lincoln City in League Cup Clash
Chelsea FC will face Lincoln City in the League Cup on September 23, 2025, at Sincil Bank in Lincoln, England. Following a disappointing run that included back-to-back defeats against Bayern Munich and Manchester United, Chelsea is eager to regain form against the lower-league opposition. The match presents a chance for the team to bounce back from recent setbacks and to restore confidence among players and fans alike.
The recent string of losses has overshadowed the positive momentum from last season’s achievements. Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, expressed concern over squad depth, particularly in defense, which may hinder his ability to rotate players effectively. “I would love to rest [Tosin and Chalobah] because they deserve to rest,” he noted, referencing the challenge of managing player fatigue with a busy schedule. Despite these concerns, the match against Lincoln City offers a vital opportunity to secure a much-needed victory.
Lincoln City’s Strong Start and Ambitions
Lincoln City, currently competing in the third division, has enjoyed a promising start to their season. The team has lost only once in twelve matches across all competitions and is riding a ten-game unbeaten streak. Under the guidance of head coach Michael Skubala, who is in his second season, the Imps have demonstrated resilience and determination. Skubala is approaching this cup match with the same strategy as previous games, aiming for a win.
“[We’re going to] put a match plan together with a group of players with the idea to go out and win a game of football,” he stated. This match will be significant for Skubala, marking his 99th game in charge. Key players, such as striker James Collins, bring valuable experience to the squad. Collins, who previously played for the Republic of Ireland, scored ten league goals last season and has already netted five in all competitions this year.
Lincoln City has not reached higher than the second division in its 141-year history. However, if they maintain their current form, promotion to the Championship could be within reach. Their recent successes include victories over Harrogate Town and Burton Albion in the first and second rounds of the League Cup.
How to Watch the Match
The match is set to kick off at 19:45 BST (14:45 EDT) on September 23. Fans in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports, while streaming options include Sky Go. In the USA, the match will be available on Paramount+. For viewers in India, it can be streamed via FanCode, and DStv Now will provide access in Nigeria.
The clash between Chelsea and Lincoln City will be the first meeting between the two clubs since 1911, with Chelsea historically winning five of the eight previous encounters. As Chelsea looks to restore its reputation and secure a path forward in the cup, fans will be eagerly watching how both teams perform in this pivotal match-up.
