Carabao Cup: Babu Owino tips Chelsea to stun Arsenal in tight semi-final clash
By Joel Masibo, February 3, 2026Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has tipped reigning world champions, Chelsea, to overturn a first-leg 3-2 deficit against Premier League leaders Arsenal in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final clash at the Emirates on Tuesday night, February 3, 2026.
Taking to X hours before kickoff, Babu Owino expressed confidence in Liam Rosenior’s men, adding that the Blues will overturn the first leg deficit and proceed to the final of the League Cup, where they will play either Manchester City or Newcastle United, who will also square it out on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
”The World Champions are playing today, and the whole world is happy! Hao Arsenal watameza brufen leo. We will overturn their 3-2 win and secure our place in the Carabao Cup finals. Ama nyinyi mnasemaje?’ the MP wrote.
Match build-up
The Gunners come into the contest in strong domestic form, having dismantled Leeds United 4–0 over the weekend to stretch their cushion at the summit of the Premier League table to six points.
Although Arsenal have lifted the League Cup twice in their history, success has eluded them since the competition was rebranded as the Carabao Cup. Their last appearance in the final came during the 2017/18 campaign, but victory in west London has reignited hopes of another Wembley date.
Home form has largely been a strength for Arteta’s men this season, with just one defeat at the Emirates so far, a narrow 3–2 setback against Manchester United in January.
Chelsea, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by a dramatic late win over West Ham United, a result that preserved their flawless league record since Liam Rosenior took charge. The Blues have responded impressively to their earlier loss against Arsenal, winning every subsequent match while finding the net 12 times and conceding just five.
However, history does not favour the visitors, who have struggled on trips to north London, managing only 28 wins from 109 visits to Arsenal across all competitions.
Squad updates
Chelsea’s injury list remains lengthy. Jamie Gittens, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are unavailable, while Estevao Willian and Filip Jorgensen are still being assessed and remain doubtful.
Expected starting XIs
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Piero Hincapie, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard; Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto; Joao Pedro.