The stage is set for a decisive night of cup football under the lights at the Emirates Stadium.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Arsenal and Chelsea renew their historic rivalry in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with a place in the final against either Manchester City or Newcastle United at stake.
Arsenal carry the narrowest of advantages from a frenetic first leg at Stamford Bridge, a hard-fought 3-2 victory, but under the new and galvanizing leadership of Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have shown they are more than capable of overturning a deficit.
This fixture, the 213th meeting between these London titans, promises to deliver high drama, tactical intrigue, and a relentless fight for the season’s first piece of major silverware.
The path to the semi-finals
Both clubs have navigated a challenging path to reach this stage, though their journeys reflect their differing seasons.
Arsenal have been ruthlessly efficient, dispatching Port Vale and Brighton with clean-sheet 2-0 victories before needing a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout to overcome Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw.
This cup run has unfolded alongside a formidable Premier League campaign, where they currently sit at the summit. Since a defeat to Aston Villa in early December, the Gunners are unbeaten in nine league and cup games, a run that includes eight wins and showcases their resilience and consistency.
Chelsea’s route has been more chaotic but equally effective. They edged past Lincoln City 2-1, won a seven-goal thriller 4-3 away at Wolves, and comfortably beat Cardiff City 3-1 in the quarter-finals.
The real transformation, however, has come under new manager Liam Rosenior. His tenure began with a record-setting 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic, the biggest debut victory for any Chelsea manager.
More importantly, he has instilled a never-say-die spirit; since the first-leg loss to Arsenal, Chelsea have won every game, including dramatic comebacks against Napoli and West Ham United. They head to the Emirates having scored 12 goals in their last four matches.
Head-to-head
While Chelsea hold a slight edge in all-time League Cup meetings, recent history paints a very different picture. Arsenal are unbeaten in the last nine encounters across all competitions, a run stretching back to August 2021.
The Emirates has been a particularly unhappy hunting ground for the Blues, who have lost their last three visits by an aggregate score of 9-1.
Furthermore, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta boasts a commanding personal record against Chelsea, with 8 wins, 4 draws, and just 2 losses from his 14 meetings.
This psychological edge is Arsenal’s to wield, but Chelsea can draw confidence from their pedigree in this specific competition. The Blues have progressed to the final from 10 of their last 16 League Cup semi-finals, including the past three.
The last team to eliminate them at this stage was, ironically, Arsenal in the 2017/18 season.
Team news and predicted lineups
Injuries and suspensions will play a critical role in both managers’ plans for this decisive leg.
Arsenal have significant concerns, particularly at the back. Key defender William Saliba is a major doubt with an undisclosed fitness issue. He is joined on the sidelines by defenders Piero Hincapié (groin) and Riccardo Calafiori (muscular), while midfielder Mikel Merino is set for a lengthy absence after surgery on a foot injury.
The biggest worry is the fitness of Bukayo Saka, who suffered an injury in the warm-up before Arsenal’s last league game and remains a doubt.
Chelsea have their own selection headaches. Midfielder Moises Caicedo is suspended for this match. The availability of attacking talisman Cole Palmer, captain Reece James, and full-back Malo Gusto will be decided after a late fitness test, with all three having been rested as a precaution in the FA Cup.
They are without the long-term absentees Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia, while Jamie Gittens is a fresh doubt after injuring his hamstring last weekend.
Arsenal predicted lineup (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba (if fit), Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James (if fit), Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Fernández, Santos; Neto, Palmer (if fit), Garnacho; João Pedro.
Match prediction and betting insights
With a one-goal lead and home advantage, Arsenal are the clear favourites to progress. Their form, squad depth, and psychological hold over Chelsea are powerful arguments in their favour.
However, dismissing this Chelsea side would be a mistake. Rosenior has forged a team with remarkable fighting spirit, capable of scoring goals in bursts.
While they are likely to fall just short of a complete turnaround, they are more than capable of making Arsenal sweat.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (Arsenal win 5-3 on aggregate). Expect a tense, open game where Chelsea’s fight is ultimately countered by Arsenal’s superior control and firepower at home.
Key betting tips:Â Given the patterns of both teams, Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Total Goals look like strong possibilities. Chelsea’s recent games have been high-scoring, and Arsenal’s depleted defence may offer opportunities, even as their attack finds a way through at the other end.
Ultimately, this clash is more than just a semi-final. For Mikel Arteta, it is a chance to secure his first cup final since 2020 and prove his team can handle the pressure of a two-legged tie.
For Liam Rosenior, it is an opportunity to announce Chelsea’s resurgence on a major stage and continue a remarkable start to his reign. The history, the stakes, and the rivalry guarantee a classic London duel under the Emirates lights.