Chelsea became the first team to reach the semi-finals of the 2025/26 EFL Cup after a 3-1 second-half win defeated League One leaders Cardiff City on Tuesday.
There were a few notable issues with Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.
ESTEVAO MISSING GAMEWEEK 17
The Blues’ starting XI was completely different from last Saturday’s against Everton, with Enzo Maresca making eleven changes. This could have meant Estevao (£6.5m) minutes, had the prodigy not suffered an injury that would have kept him out of the weekend trip to Newcastle United.
“He had a little problem, a muscle problem. He won’t be available for Newcastle, and we’ll see for the next one.” – Enzo Maresca on Estevao, after the match
This should secure Pedro Neto‘s (£7.3m) place in the St James’ Park line-up.
BAD GUIU AUDITION
As for Marc Guiu (£4.2m), the cheap striker of choice for most Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.8m) and Nick Woltemade (£7.4m) sellers, this rare start was a poor showing. While in the absence of a marker he could have settled for more playing time Liam Delap (£6.2 million), it flopped.
All services in the first half can be described as generally poor, especially away Jamie Gittens (£6.1 million).
The Spaniard’s shot on target in the 31st minute was his only touch in the penalty area, which was stopped at the near post by Nathan Trott.
“We were quite good off the ball, but on the ball we had some difficulty creating chances [in the first half] for many reasons. We were much better on the ball in the second half.
“It was a big difference between the first half and the second half, also the way we attacked. Cardiff were very organized and intense. In the end we did enough to win the game.” – Enzo Maresca, in conversation with Sky Sports
However, it was another game where Maresca’s big changes didn’t quite go to plan. So he took Guiu away and Tyrique George (£4.8 million) at half-time Alejandro Garnacho (£6.4 million) and João Pedro (£7.3 million).
This worked great. Garnacho missed all three big chances against Everton and soon had another, but scored twice.
The first came from a defensive error Facundo Good night (£4.6m) attacked, with centre-forward Pedro providing his injury-time assist and also holding the ball aloft for fellow sub Neto’s goal, shortly after David Turnbull headed in the equalizer in the 75th minute.
Neto, the least possessed of the FPL’s eight highest-scoring midfielders, has scored four goals and three assists in his last nine league appearances.
Above: FPL player points from Gameweek 8
ENZO, PALMER + JAMES RUST, CAICEDO RETURNS
Still, some key Chelsea stars were able to catch their breath. Enzo Fernandez (£6.6 million), Ree James (£5.6 million) and Robert Sanchez (£4.9 million) were unused replacements, while Marc Cucurella (£6.2 million) was suspended for two previous yellow cards in the EFL Cup, and Cole Palmer‘s (£10.3m) minutes are carefully managed.
After a three-match domestic ban Moses Caicedo (£5.7m) played all 90 minutes but was shown another yellow card for sarcastically applauding the referee. He will therefore miss the first leg of the semi-final, which will be held between match weeks 21 and 22.
Caicedo’s return is important for the owners of James, who has recently played in midfield. Is it now a straight choice between the England international and the in-form one? Malo wants (£4.9m)?
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