“His performance was incredible, Chelsea is really getting their money’s worth. I think he’ll be there for a very long time” – This is according to Alan Smith as he believes Chelsea have pulled off an excellent piece of business after seeing the player’s performance in their Carabao Cup victory.

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Cardiff City highlighted the clear gap in quality within sections of Enzo Maresca’s squad as the club edges closer to 2026.

With a number of fringe players handed rare opportunities in a high-stakes fixture, the Blues initially struggled to impose themselves and ultimately needed reinforcements from the bench to secure a 3–1 win.

João Pedro emerged as a key influence after Marc Guiu failed to make his mark in a starting role, while Jamie Gittens’ difficult introduction to life at Stamford Bridge showed little sign of improvement. The turning point arrived when substitutes were introduced, with Alejandro Garnacho netting twice and Pedro Neto also getting on the scoresheet.

Alan Smith impressed by Neto’s Chelsea impact

Pedro Neto’s influence has continued to grow under Maresca, particularly during Cole Palmer’s absence. The Portuguese winger has now registered six goals and three assists this season, consistently delivering when called upon.

After Cardiff briefly restored parity, Neto’s composed and well-struck effort put Chelsea back in front, earning praise from Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith. The former Arsenal striker described Neto as a “very good acquisition,” highlighting his reliability and technical quality since arriving at the club.

Smith noted the accuracy and movement on Neto’s finish, pointing out how the strike’s slight deflection made it almost impossible for Cardiff goalkeeper Ben Trott to keep out.

With teenage prospect Estêvão Willian unavailable for the upcoming clash against Newcastle, Neto appears certain to return to the starting XI this weekend.

Chelsea’s attacking setup taking shape

Despite being forced to dig into their bench against Cardiff, Chelsea will take encouragement from navigating the match without Palmer even being named in the squad. The club is carefully managing his return, but he is expected to operate behind the striker against Newcastle.

João Pedro is set to lead the line without competition from Liam Delap, while Garnacho and Neto are likely to start in wide roles, offering pace and directness against Eddie Howe’s defence.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will be looking to recover from a bruising derby defeat to Sunderland, though they still have an opportunity to regain momentum in their own Carabao Cup tie against Fulham before facing Chelsea.

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Stamford Bridge rebuild now the most realistic option

Away from the pitch, Chelsea’s long-running stadium debate appears to be moving closer to a resolution.

The club has explored two primary options in recent years: relocating to Earl’s Court or redeveloping Stamford Bridge. However, the approval of a £10bn residential regeneration project at Earl’s Court has effectively ruled out that site as a future home for the Blues.

Journalist Nizaar Kinsella confirmed that both Kensington and Chelsea Council, as well as Hammersmith and Fulham, have approved the development, leaving only final sign-off from the Mayor of London. This development makes it highly unlikely Chelsea can pursue a stadium project there.

As a result, attention is now firmly focused on rebuilding Stamford Bridge, potentially expanding it to a capacity of around 60,000. Such a project would almost certainly require Chelsea to play at a temporary venue—Wembley Stadium being the most likely candidate—for several seasons.

Short-term disruption for long-term progress

Redeveloping Stamford Bridge would bring significant challenges. Construction could take up to six years, and the club may temporarily lose the unique advantage their historic home provides.

However, given Chelsea’s global stature, many believe a modernised, larger stadium is essential. While Stamford Bridge remains iconic, its current capacity lags behind those of England’s elite clubs.

Though the situation remains fluid and all options are still being explored, a full rebuild now appears the most viable path forward. If executed successfully, the disruption could ultimately deliver long-term benefits that outweigh the short-term instability.