Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Chelsea - Carabao Cup

Arsenal travel to Chelsea for more cup action on Wednesday evening as they play the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash.

The Gunners started their FA Cup campaign with a bang in their last outing, coming from behind to win 4-1 away to Portsmouth. An own goal levelled matters after Colby Bishop had put the hosts ahead before Gabriel Martinelli ran riot with his first career hat-trick to send his side into the next stage.

With his side looking to put one foot in the final, Mikel Arteta will likely opt to field a strong side for this London derby and that would mean a number of crucial first team players returning to the team after resting at the weekend.

Here's how Arsenal could line up against Chelsea.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - Kepa has been the first-choice option for the Carabao Cup so far this season, but with a spot in the final at stake, his compatriot will return to the side for this test.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - Ben White was given a run out against Portsmouth, but the Dutchman will come back in at right back at Stamford Bridge.

William Saliba (CB) - Arteta admitted he is a doubt after missing the trip to Pompey, but I think he will surprise fans and make his comeback in this game.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - He will remain on the left side of defence and will be looking to prevent Chelsea from having any joy in attack.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - With Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori both injured, Lewis-Skelly will continue at left back and has another chance to impress Arteta as he looks to break back into the first team.

Midfielders

Martin Ødegaard (CM) - The captain's creative brilliance will be needed against a tough Chelsea side looking to enjoy a new manager bounce so he will start in west London.

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - His presence at the base of midfield will be crucial, but there is a possibility for Mikel Merino to take over in the later stages after an impressive display as the six at Portsmouth.

Declan Rice (CM) - He was off it against Liverpool so he will be looking to bounce back as he starts against his former academy side on Wednesday.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - A mixed display for Noni Madueke on the South Coast means there is absoultely no doubt Saka will reclaim the starting spot on the right wing for this clash.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - Kai Havertz will be knocking on the door after making his return at the weekend, but the Swede will continue up top for this game at least. Impact is needed.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - With Leandro Trossard a doubt and Martinelli off the back of a hat-trick in the cup, he will start as he looks to make his mark in another cup competition.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Chelsea: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli