"This night is gonna be long" - Chelsea fans question duo's inclusion in XI for EFL Cup clash against Cardiff City

Chelsea fans are questioning Enzo Maresca's decision to start Tosin Adaribioyo and Jorrel Hato in their Carabao Cup clash against Cardiff City. Many are not happy with the selection after their poor performances this season.

Maresca has made 11 changes to his starting XI after the 2-0 win over Everton. Filip Jörgensen starts ahead of Robert Sanchez in goal, while Josh Acheampong and Hato start as the fullbacks. Tosin starts at the center-back and has Benoit Badiashile to assist him.

Moises Caicedo captains the side today, and he has Andrey Santos beside him in the pivot. Tyrique George and Jamie Gittens are the wingers, with Facundo Buonanotte playing as the attacking midfielder.

Marc Guiu is playing as the lone striker, and the Chelsea fans are happy with the decision.

However, the decision to start Tosin and Hato has become the talking point and many have posted:

Maresca spoke about Tosin earlier this season, when saying that the club do not need experienced players and said:

"We always talk about experience when we drop points. When we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was mentioning about experienced players. So, again, I understand that when we don't win, we are always looking for the reason why, but I think the reason why we didn't win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it's because we were not good enough."

Chelsea are looking to reach their third semifinal under Enzo Maresca, who took them to wins in the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.

Enzo Maresca warns Chelsea players ahead of Cardiff City clash

Enzo Maresca spoke in his pre-match press conference and warned his players that it is a banana skin situation. He said that they cannot take things lightly and said (via club website):

"Football is full of these kind of games where the favourite one, they can lose and they can drop out. These are the worst games for this reason. That's why we need to pay attention. It can be the third semi-final in 18 months, and it's something important."

"To have the winning mentality, you need to win games. Otherwise the players don't believe you. Since day one, we are trying to win games, and tomorrow is another chance to be there in another semi-final, no matter the competition. It’s an important moment for the players, for the fans, for the club, for everyone."

Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea are heading in the right direction despite dropping points in the league.

Edited by Sripad