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Stamford Bridge is primed for its fiercest battle yet as Arsenal travel to Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
They last locked horns less than two months ago when Mikel Merino jumped highest to rescue the Gunners from an embarrassing loss and cancel out Trevoh Chalobah’s opener, ensuring the leaders would claim one point against their 10-man hosts.
No love has been lost since then, though Mikel Arteta must contend with a new name in the Chelsea dugout: Liam Rosenior. The new head coach will make his home debut on Wednesday night and a big result in a London derby would be one sure-fire way to win the Chelsea fans over after the sacking of Enzo Maresca.
3 key battles that could decide a huge Carabao Cup first-leg clash between Chelsea and Arsenal
Both teams will be up for this titanic clash, and here are three key battles that could prove crucial in deciding its fate.
1. Myles Lewis-Skelly vs Pedro Neto
Gooners would have relished this matchup 12 months ago; now, they might want to hide behind the sofa.
Injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié mean Myles Lewis-Skelly could make a rare start at LB – though he did get the nod at Portsmouth too. He shone in that position last season, exhibiting his rich talent against some of the biggest names in world football like Desiré Doué and Rodrygo on that flank.
But MLS looks a shadow of his former self now – particularly in a defensive sense – and it does not bode well for him up against Pedro Neto.
Neto is in excellent form for Chelsea this year, his ten goal contributions in 29 matches only adding gloss to his all-round efforts. His directness and ability to take defenders on either side will be hard for MLS to manage, so it is imperative that something is done to ensure the Hale End man does not get isolated one-on-one with him.
He came from nowhere to become a standout in the Arsenal team last campaign; the same must be done again here if they are to progress.
2. Declan Rice vs Enzo Fernández
Once again, Moises Caicedo has bailed on his Chelsea teammates just when Declan Rice is coming to town.
His one-match suspension might see Enzo Fernández drop into a deep role in midweek as he did last time the Ecuadorian was ruled out. The Argentine is no stranger to that job but cannot showcase his attacking strengths to the same extent there – a reality which could leave the Blues midfield exposed to a big opposition presence.
Enter Declan Rice.
If it was possible, Rice seems to have found another level this campaign. He pops up everywhere and never tires, using his incredible engine to drag his team up the pitch as well as performing miracles to get back and cut out attacks.
The birthday boy does all that whilst maintaining his excellent form up front: 11 goal contributions so far in 2025/25 to follow on from his 19 last term, while Gabriel is back to help Arsenal make the most of his wicked set-piece delivery.
There can be no greater birthday present than for Rice to carry the Gunners into the final of the cup at Chelsea’s expense.
3. Bukayo Saka vs Marc Cucurella
Bukayo Saka will hope to experience more joy here than he did when up against Marc Cucurella back in November.
That night, Saka was well marshalled and often kept at arm’s length from the Chelsea box, though he wriggled free from Cucurella on one occasion to send in a brilliant cross that Merino headed home to bring Arsenal level.
The goal summed up Saka: even when not at his best, his world-class talent often sees him register at least one goal contribution per game. That sort of knack, and a repeat of his performance for the first 30 minutes against Liverpool last week, could give the Blues lots of work to do in the second leg next month.
Cucurella is an able defender to stop him, but he tends to wear his heart on his sleeve and it could be used against him. The Spaniard picks up bookings fairly regularly (in fact, he was booked during that November clash for a foul on Saka) and even got sent off in his last league match – get him cautioned early and let Saka run riot.
Both men are fully rested after the FA Cup weekend and have the measure of one another now; Saka needs to find extra gears.
No better man for the job.