Arsenal vs Chelsea Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg: Preview of Tonight's London Derby Showdown
Published Date: 4th Feb, 2026
February 04, 2026
Arsenal host Chelsea tonight in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium, with kick-off set for 8:00 PM GMT. The high-stakes London derby promises a fierce battle between two clubs desperate to reach the Wembley final on March 15, where the winner of this tie will face either Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal enter the match in excellent domestic form, having lost only once at home in all competitions this season and sitting second in the Premier League table. Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, have shown glimpses of quality but remain inconsistent in the league, making the cup run a critical opportunity for silverware and momentum.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Arsenal are expected to field a strong side despite their packed schedule. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli are set to lead the attack, supported by the creative midfield duo of Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice. Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are pushing for starts at the back, while Thomas Partey could feature if fit.
Chelsea will likely rely on Cole Palmer as their main creative force, with Nicolas Jackson spearheading the forward line. Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto offer pace on the flanks, while the midfield trio of Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Romeo Lavia will aim to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm. Levi Colwill is poised to face his former club, adding extra motivation.
Both managers have used rotation in earlier cup rounds, but this semi-final first leg is anticipated to see near-full-strength squads as the prize of a Wembley appearance looms large.
Tactical Battle Lines
Key areas to watch include:
- Midfield control: Rice and Ødegaard will look to dictate tempo against Caicedo, Fernández, and Lavia.
- Wide threats: Saka and Martinelli vs Chelsea's full-backs, with Madueke and Neto ready to exploit transitions.
- Set-piece execution: Both teams rank highly in attacking and defending dead-ball situations.
- Home advantage: A sold-out Emirates crowd is expected to create an intense atmosphere that could tilt momentum toward Arsenal.
Recent Form and Historical Context
Arsenal have won three of their last five meetings with Chelsea in all competitions, including a convincing league win earlier this season. Chelsea's last victory at the Emirates dates back to 2023, and Maresca will be eager to end that run tonight.
Arsenal's strong home record contrasts with Chelsea's mid-table Premier League position, heightening the importance of a positive result in this cup competition for the Blues.
Stakes and Expectations
A strong performance tonight would give the winner a significant advantage heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge in two weeks. With Premier League title ambitions and European commitments on the horizon, both sides understand the value of progressing in the Carabao Cup.
Pundits predict a tight, tactical affair with goals likely from set pieces or counter-attacks. The Emirates atmosphere is expected to play a major role, giving Arsenal a slight edge but with Chelsea's quality capable of producing an upset.
All eyes will be on the Emirates tonight as two proud London clubs battle for a place in the Carabao Cup final and a step closer to silverware in a fiercely competitive season.
Date: 4th Feb, 2026
