Arsenal and Chelsea Clash: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and What to Expect
Arsenal enter Tuesday night's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium with a 3–2 lead over Chelsea from the opening encounter.
The North Londoners capitalized on the Blues' missing players in the initial meeting last month, establishing commanding 2–0 and 3–1 advantages. Nevertheless, Alejandro Garnacho's double strike gives Liam Rosenior's team hope of a comeback, despite not defeating the current Premier League table-toppers since 2021.
Arsenal have demonstrated clear dominance over their cross-city competitors recently, and only an unexpected loss would prevent the Gunners from reaching their first domestic cup final since claiming the FA Cup in 2020. The supporters are eager for silverware, and Mikel Arteta's squad are excellently placed to secure a highly successful end to the 2025–26 season.
A comprehensive 4–0 victory over Leeds United dismissed concerns about a possible title meltdown, while Chelsea secured their fifth consecutive triumph by overturning a deficit to defeat West Ham United 3–2 on Saturday night.
Similar to Arsenal, the Blues remain competitive across four competitions—though they're not challenging for the title but rather battling for a top-four/five Premier League position.
Here's our analysis of Tuesday evening's return fixture.
What Time Does Arsenal vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?
What Time Does Arsenal vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?
Arsenal vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Arsenal vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Arsenal (DWLWW) | Chelsea (WWWWW) |
|---|---|
Leeds 0–4 Arsenal | Chelsea 3–2 West Ham |
Arsenal 3–2 Kairat Almaty | Napoli 2–3 Chelsea |
Arsenal 2–3 Man Utd | Crystal Palace 1–3 Chelsea |
Inter 1–3 Arsenal | Chelsea 1–0 Pafos |
Nottingham Forest 0–0 Arsenal | Chelsea 2–0 Brentford |
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Chelsea on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Chelsea on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | ITV 1 UK, ITVX, STV Scotland, Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, STV Player |
United States | Paramount+ |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | N/A |
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Merino's foot problem needs surgical intervention, and the Spanish player could be sidelined for several months. Arteta will hope to have the versatile midfielder-forward available for the crucial final stretch.
Bukayo Saka was scheduled to begin at Elland Road on Saturday, but the wide player sustained an injury during pre-match preparations and was consequently removed from Arteta's starting eleven, with Noni Madueke taking his place.
Saka's problem was merely termed a "minor knock" by his coach, but the tight schedule might see Madueke keep his spot against his previous club. Max Dowman remains out through injury.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will maintain his position in goal for this tournament, while Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus could all receive starting opportunities. Martin Ødegaard is expected to return to the starting lineup as well.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-3-3): Kepa; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Ødegaard, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea Team News
Fixtures have arrived in rapid succession for Chelsea during the early stages of Rosenior's tenure, and the new boss has regularly rotated his starting formation.
Players such as João Pedro, Reece James and Marc Cucurella were limited to substitute appearances against West Ham United, with Rosenior resting this trio for Tuesday's return leg. All three are anticipated to regain their places in Chelsea's first eleven.
Jamie Gittens represents a new fitness worry for the away side. He was substituted during the opening period of Saturday's victory and is doubtful for the midweek clash. Gittens joins Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dário Essugo and Roméo Lavia in the treatment room.
Estêvão remains questionable after being absent from the weekend match due to family matters. The promising winger has been in Brazil on compassionate grounds and Rosenior has acknowledged he might not be prepared to feature here.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; Pedro.
Arsenal vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
Arsenal vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
Chelsea approach the return fixture brimming with self-belief, while Arsenal's weekend triumph should calm any nerves at the Emirates on Tuesday evening. Nevertheless, this could remain a tense occasion for the home team, given their narrow advantage and the visitors' significantly improved strength compared to the first meeting.
Rosenior's tactical flexibility and match management has been crucial to Chelsea's latest two wins, but one suspects the Blues must begin strongly if they hope to surprise the Gunners in North London.
Their poor recent history in this matchup is troubling, and there's a sense that this must finally be the season for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal to experience a Wembley appearance.