Arsenal host Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal after edging the first meeting 3-2, giving the Gunners a narrow advantage heading into the return fixture. With a spot in the season’s first major final on the line, both London rivals are going all out at Emirates Stadium.
The hosts enter the match in strong form following a dominant 4-0 win over Leeds United, a result that kept them top of the Premier League with 53 points from 24 matches. Chelsea, meanwhile, have built momentum since the first leg, riding a five-game winning streak under new head coach Liam Rosenior.
On the other side of the Carabao Cup bracket, Manchester City and Newcastle United are battling for the second place in the final, with City holding a 2-0 advantage ahead of Wednesday’s second leg. While Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are aiming to end their trophy drought dating back to the 2023 Community Shield, Chelsea are looking to launch a new era under Rosenior following Enzo Maresca’s dismissal.
Bukayo Saka a major doubt for Arsenal
One of Arsenal’s biggest concerns surrounds Bukayo Saka, who was ruled out of the win over Leeds United after suffering an unexpected injury. The England international picked up a muscle issue during warm-up prior to that match, casting doubt over his availability for the crucial clash against Chelsea.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal.
Speaking at Monday’s press conference, Arteta addressed Saka’s status ahead of the semifinal: “We have to wait. Today he was better but we have to wait and see how he responds, and then make the decision. It doesn’t look like something too serious. Whether he’s going to be available for tomorrow or the weekend, we’ll see.“
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Arsenal and Chelsea’s confirmed lineups
Arsenal’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Kepa Arrizabalaga; Jurrien Timber, William Salibá, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie; Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli.
Head coach: Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea’s confirmed lineup (3-5-2): Robert Sanchez; Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato; Malo Gusto, Moses Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella; Liam Delap, Joao Pedro.
Head coach: Liam Rosenior.
