Arsenal vs Chelsea: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

Arsenal are looking to secure their spot in the final of the Carabao Cup as they take on Chelsea in the second leg of their semi-final encounter.

The Gunners ran rampant to win 4-0 at Leeds last time out. Martín Zubimendi opened the scoring with a header before Noni Madueke beat Karl Darlow directly from a corner to double the advantage. Viktor Gyökeres added a third when he met a Gabriel Martinelli cross before Gabriel Jesus rounded off the victory with a good finish late on.

Chelsea came from behind to overcome London rivals West Ham in their previous outing. A disaster first-half saw the Blues trail 2-0 after Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville struck before the break. João Pedro pulled his side back in the game after the restart before Marc Cucurella levelled matters. Enzo Fernández then won it in stoppage time with a well-taken strike.

Mikel Arteta's side currently hold a 3-2 advantage having triumphed at Stamford Bridge in the first leg. Ben White, Viktor Gyökeres and Martín Zubimendi were Arsenal's heroes in West London, but Alejandro Garnacho netted twice to keep Chelsea's hopes alive going into the second leg.

Here's our preview of the Gunners' semi-final clash with their London rivals.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

What time does Arsenal vs Chelsea kick off?

• When is kick off? Tuesday 3 February, 2026
• What time is kick off? 20:00 GMT
• Where is it played? Emirates Stadium
• Referee: Peter Bankes

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Arsenal team news

Arsenal will certainly be without Mikel Merino, who has been ruled out for an extended period with a foot injury, and Max Dowman, who still has some time to go in his recovery. Bukayo Saka is also a doubt after he suffered an injury in the warm-up ahead of the Leeds game.

Noni Madueke will likely continue on the right wing as a result while Kai Havertz could keep hold of a spot in midfield. Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyökeres will complete the attack.

Ben White may start at right back over Jurrien Timber with Piero Hincapié continuing on the left side of defence. David Raya could come in between the sticks after Kepa Arrizabalaga started in the first leg.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Chelsea: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Havertz, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli

Chelsea team news

Chelsea will likely be missing Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Jamie Gittens due to injury.

Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, João Pedro and Reece James all came off the bench to play a big part in the Blues' comeback triumph over West Ham so they should have earned spots in the starting lineup for this clash. Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Jorrel Hato and Alejandro Garnacho will all drop to the bench as a result.

Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Arsenal: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Pedro; Delap

Arsenal vs Chelsea score prediction

This has potential to be an exciting clash with Arsenal in a good position to reach the final while Chelsea's hopes of a trip to Wembley Stadium remain very much alive.

The Blues have looked good under Liam Rosenior with their only defeat since he assumed leadership coming in the first leg of this clash so they will be prepared to challenge the Gunners in this game.

However, Arteta's side should just edge this one. One goal should do it for Arsenal and they will be able to see out Chelsea's barrage to reach their first cup final since 2020.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea