We simulated Chelsea vs Barrow to get a score prediction for Carabao Cup clash

Chelsea take on Barrow at Stamford Bridge this weekend, so we simulated the clash to predict the final score.

Chelsea's 2024/25 Carabao Cup campaign will get underway later today when the Blues welcome League Two Barrow to Stamford Bridge.

It seems that pieces of Enzo Maresca's plan have started to fall into place for Chelsea in recent weeks, with the Blues heading into tonight's clash following a 3-0 win away to West Ham United in the Premier League. Maresca's side sit fifth in the league table with 10 points from five games, and they'll have a chance to make it three wins on the bounce in all competitions when they take on Barrow.

Last season, Chelsea came agonisingly close to winning the Carabao Cup, with the Blues losing 1-0 to Liverpool in extra-time in the final. Tonight's opposition Barrow sit top of League Two, with the Blues expected to heavily rotate their side.

So, can Chelsea win the third-round Carabao Cup clash? Let's take a look.

We simulated Chelsea vs Barrow to get a score prediction

To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 24 and updated the squads with the latest injuries, suspensions and transfers. As this is still EA FC 24, the 2024/25 kits were used, and kit numbers may not be accurate.

We predict that Chelsea could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga; Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku.

We predict that Barrow could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Farman; Eccleston, Vassell, Canavan, Jackson; Campbell, Foley; Mahoney, Spence, Kouyate; Garner.

As expected, the visitors started with the intention to defend at Stamford Bridge, with Barrow, sitting deep and frustrating Chelsea who struggled to create any clear-cut chances. But, with 30 minutes on the clock, an error from the Blues allowed their League Two opposition to take a shock lead at Stamford Bridge.

A high press from Gerard Garner saw the striker force Tosin Adarabioyo into playing back to the 'keeper, but the defender's pass was extremely short, allowing Garner to intercept the pass and charge through on goal. One-on-one with Filip Jorgensen, the striker kept his composure to fire into the far corner from inside the box, making Chelsea's task a little more difficult.

The Blues were unable to find a response before the break, but just after the restart, Maresca's side found the equaliser when Christopher Nkunku prodded home Pedro Neto's near post cross to make it 1-1. Just three minutes after drawing level, Chelsea were able to grab a second, turning the game on its head.

Malu Gusto fizzed a dangerous pass into the feet of Joao Felix just outside the box, and with his back to goal, an outrageous piece of skill saw him produce a Bergkamp-esque flick around one side of the defender before peeling around him on the other side. Felix met the ball with a powerful half volley into the far corner, putting the Blues ahead.

Barrow's goal was their only shot of the entire game as Chelsea continued to dominate after taking the lead, and despite the Blues failing to score a third, they managed to hold out for the victory and avoid embarrassment in the Carabao Cup third round.

EA FC 24 predicted final score: Chelsea 2-1 Barrow

What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!