Chilwell Excited For Carabao Cup Opener
- Ben Chilwell says Leicester City are ready for a big test against Sheffield United on Tuesday (7:45pm kick-off)
- The Foxes head to Bramall Lane in the second round of the Carabao Cup
- Chilwell believes a cup run could help City build momentum to take into their Premier League season
The Foxes head to Bramall Lane for their Round 2 tie against Chris Wilder’s men, who last season earned promotion back to the Championship after winning the League 1 title with 100 points.
Chilwell knows that will give the Blades, who beat Barnsley 1-0 on Saturday thanks to Billy Sharp’s solo strike, a boost heading into the game.
“The League Cup is a big competition and it’s something that we always want to do well in, especially against Sheffield United at their place,” Chilwell told LCFC TV. “They’ll want to get the win and progress into the next round.
“It’s beneficial because if you’re doing well in the league, it’s a good confidence boost to hopefully progress in the cup, and likewise if you’re doing well in the cup it gives you confidence to get wins in the Premier League.
“It’s difficult because it’s early on in the season so we don’t know too much about their squad this season. They’ve just been recently promoted into the Championship so they’re going to be confident.
“The League Cup will be full of tests the further we progress hopefully, so it’s going to be a good game, but a tough game as well.
“For them, it’s a massive game too and I’m sure there will be a lot of fans coming down to support them. It’s a big occasion and the fans will be right up for it.”
After playing for England at the U21 European Championships, the left back returned to the Club in late July following an extended summer break.
All ready for the new term, Chilwell said: “I feel good and feel fit. Me and Dimi (Demarai Gray) played a lot of games in the summer, which was beneficial.
“It was on a big stage and it was a good experience and both of us now are looking forward to getting started fully in the season. Hopefully we’ll both have good seasons.”
Chilwell was part of the side that took on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the Checkatrade Trophy in August 2016 and went on to make over 20 appearances for both club and country last term.
He added: “It was roughly around this time last year that I played in the Checkatrade Trophy and I was looking forward to it as I am with this game now.
“I’m looking forward to the game tomorrow because it’s a good stadium against good opposition. It’s been a good past year since then and I’ve had a lot of big matches I’ve been involved in and fortunate enough to play in.
“I feel like I’ve progressed a lot since then, so hopefully I can do well and get the win for the team. It’ll be a good opportunity for the players that haven’t been playing as much to show the manager and the staff what we can do.”