These two clubs have met eight times, most-recently doing so in 1911, with Lincoln City holding Chelsea to a goalless draw that day, although it's hard to argue that'll have much bearing on this one.
Lincoln vs Chelsea preview
Chelsea have won the League Cup on five occasions, beaten in the finals of 2019, 2022 and 2024 since their last triumph. So, having picked up the Conference League and Club World Cup trophies already this year, they're craving yet more silverware, so will this be the start of a run to Wembley?
It's been a pretty miserable September for Enzo Maresca's team so far, suffering their first Premier League defeat of the season at Old Trafford on Saturday. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was sent off inside the first five minutes, helping Manchester United race into a 2-0 lead, only for Casemiro to be dismissed on the cusp of half time too. Now ten vs ten, it took until the 80th minute for Chelsea to halve the deficit, Trevoh Chalobah on target, but they could not find an equaliser in the pouring rain.
Before this, the Blues had been demolished 3-1 by Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener, having conceded a stoppage time equaliser at Brentford, thereby denied victory. Next up Chelsea have a trio of home games, welcoming Brighton, José Mourinho's Benfica and then Liverpool to Stamford Bridge, first seeking to avoid an historic Carabao Cup exit in Lincolnshire on Tuesday night.
As for the hosts, they reached the FA Cup quarter-finals as a non-league side nine seasons ago, but have only gone further than this in the League Cup once since 1968, defeated in Southampton in round four in 2022. So far this season, the Imps have already enjoyed away wins at Harrogate and Burton, while their excellent league form means they'll come into this tie full of belief.
On Saturday, Michael Skubala's side beat Luton 3-1 at home, thanks to Ben House's brace. This means Lincoln are unbeaten in seven EFL League One matches, leaving them third in the table, dreaming of getting back into the second-tier for the first time since 1961. Sincil Bank will be packed to the rafters for this huge cup tie, so can Lincoln knock out one of the competition favourites?
Lincoln City vs Chelsea head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 8.
- Lincoln City Wins: 1. Draws: 2. Chelsea Wins: 5.
Chelsea team news
Robert Sánchez's red card at Old Trafford means he is suspended, with Filip Jörgensen set to deputise, while USMNT international Gabriel Słonina, who is yet to debut, is the alternative.
Elsewhere, Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, Dário Essugo, Roméo Lavia and Liam Delap are all injured, while neither Axel Disasi nor Raheem Sterling will feature, having been completely frozen out. Also worth noting that Marc Guiu is cup-tied, having scored for Sunderland against Huddersfield in round two, before his loan was abruptly cut short due to Delap's injury.
So, Tyrique George could be deployed as the makeshift striker, with Josh Acheampong, Andrey Santos, Facundo Buonanotte and Jamie Gittens among those also rotated in.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Lincoln City: (4-1-4-1): Jörgensen; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Hato Acheampong; Santos, Buonanotte, Estêvão, Gittens, Garnacho; George.
Chelsea player to watch vs Lincoln
Alejandro Garnacho will make his full-Chelsea debut so, having previously bagged four goals and five assists in the EFL Cup for Manchester United, will he get off the mark in blue at Sincil Bank?
Lincoln vs Chelsea prediction
We cannot see any other outcome than a resounding Chelsea victory, with Enzo Maresca's reserves likely to swat Lincoln aside at Sincil Bank on Tuesday night: Lincoln City 0-4 Chelsea.
Lincoln vs Chelsea FAQs - Carabao Cup
How to watch Lincoln City vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on TV channel?
Lincoln City vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Football
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Lincoln City vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on live streaming?
Lincoln City vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Lincoln City vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup?
Lincoln City vs Chelsea takes place on Tuesday 23 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).