A spot at Wembley is on the line tonight, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as Arsenal hosts Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final. The Gunners hold a narrow 3-2 aggregate lead following a thrilling first leg at Stamford Bridge.
While Arsenal is currently leading the Premier League, they face a "New Chelsea" revitalized under manager Liam Rosenior, who has won six of his first seven games since taking over from Enzo Maresca.
Match Details
Fixture: Arsenal vs Chelsea
Competition: EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) Semi-Final, 2nd Leg
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: Peter Bankes
Pre-Match Analysis
Arsenal: The Title-Chasing Favorites
Mikel Arteta's side is in imperial form, sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League. They effectively "warmed up" for this clash by dismantling Leeds United 4-0 over the weekend. With the first-leg advantage in hand, the Gunners are favorites to reach their first domestic cup final since 2020.
Arsenal’s summer signing Martin Zubimendi and striker Viktor Gyökeres have been the catalysts for their cup run, both finding the net in the first leg. However, a significant injury to Mikel Merino has left a void in the midfield that Arteta is currently looking to fill in the final hours of the transfer window.
Chelsea: The Rosenior Revolution
The "Blues" are a team transformed. Under Liam Rosenior, they have displayed a gritty resilience, most notably coming from 2-0 down to beat West Ham 3-2 on Saturday. Despite the 3-2 aggregate deficit, Chelsea arrives in North London with immense confidence, having won five games in a row since that first-leg defeat.
With João Pedro in red-hot form and Alejandro Garnacho providing a constant threat on the break, Chelsea will look to exploit any Arsenal complacency.
Team News & Injury Reports
Arsenal Team News
Bukayo Saka: A major doubt. He pulled up in the warm-up against Leeds and will be assessed late. Noni Madueke is expected to start against his former club if Saka isn't 100%.
Mikel Merino: Out. Requires surgery on a rare foot fracture and may miss the rest of the season.
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to start in goal for this competition over David Raya.
Out: Max Dowman, Mikel Merino.
Chelsea Team News
Estêvão: Unavailable. The Brazilian sensation is on compassionate leave for personal reasons.
Jamie Gittens: Out after limping off with a hamstring injury against West Ham.
Returning Stars: Reece James, Wesley Fofana, and Marc Cucurella are all pushing for starts after impressing off the bench over the weekend.
Out: Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Romeo Lavia, Mykhailo Mudryk.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Arrizabalaga; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, João Pedro; Liam Delap.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Current Streak: Arsenal is unbeaten in their last 9 meetings with Chelsea (6W, 3D).
Home Comforts: Chelsea has lost their last three visits to the Emirates by an aggregate score of 9-1.
Goal Machines: Both teams have scored in 4 of the last 5 meetings between these sides.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (5-3 on Aggregate)
Expect a high-intensity London derby. Chelsea has the momentum to cause Arsenal problems, especially with João Pedro's current form. However, Arsenal's tactical maturity at home and the first-leg cushion should see them through. A late goal from Viktor Gyökeres might just be the sealer that sends the Gunners to Wembley.
Top Betting Tips:
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes. Both attacks are in top form, and Chelsea must score to stay in the tie.
To Qualify: Arsenal. Their home record against Chelsea is too strong to ignore.
Anytime Goalscorer: João Pedro. He has been Chelsea's most clinical player under the new management.
