Arsenal vs Chelsea: Carabao Cup semi-final prediction, team news and possible lineups
By William Muthama, February 2, 2026Arsenal and Chelsea meet at the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with the Gunners holding a narrow 3–2 lead from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal aim to protect that advantage and secure a place in the final, while Chelsea must overturn the deficit to keep their cup hopes alive.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal will be without winger Bukayo Saka, who picked up an injury in the warm-up against Leeds United, ruling him out of that match.
Noni Madueke replaced Saka and played a key role in Arsenal’s 4–0 win over Leeds, showcasing his readiness to step into the starting lineup.
Mikel Merino also remains unavailable due to foot surgery. Other attacking options include Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and in-form Gabriel Jesus, giving Arteta flexibility on the wings.
Arsenal Possible XI: Arrizabalaga; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Ødegaard, Martinelli; Gyökeres
Chelsea team news
Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior continues to integrate key players since taking over midway through the season. Injuries remain a challenge, with Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia, and Jamie Gittens unavailable.
Rosenior is expected to start Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro, and Reece James, all of whom made decisive contributions off the bench in recent matches.
Chelsea Possible XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Pedro; Delap
Coaches’ insights
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stressed the importance of focus and efficiency, noting that while Arsenal hold the first-leg advantage, “the tie is just half-time” and his team must remain vigilant against Chelsea’s challenge.
He confirmed that Bukayo Saka will not be available due to a warm-up injury, which forced Noni Madueke into the starting lineup. Arteta praised Madueke for his performance and said Saka’s fitness will continue to be assessed ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior praised his team’s resilience following their 3–2 comeback win over West Ham, highlighting the fight, energy, and intensity displayed in the second half.
“For a manager to come in midway through a season with not many sessions and have six wins out of seven games, it’s not a bad way to start,” Rosenior said.
“As long as the team shows the fight and the energy and the intensity that they did in that second half, the fans show that they’ll be with us and they’ll support us, and I’m really enjoying being part of this football club”.he said.
Rosenior added that starting midway through the season with six wins out of seven matches was a promising beginning and expressed his enjoyment in being part of the club, with full confidence in his squad ahead of the semi-final.
Prediction
Arsenal’s consistent form, home advantage, and squad depth make them favourites to progress to the Carabao Cup final. Chelsea will bring confidence from recent victories, but must overcome Arsenal’s lead and capitalise on any lapses.
Final Prediction: Arsenal to progress to the Carabao Cup final after a 1‑1 draw, holding on to their 3‑2 first-leg advantage over Chelsea.