Arsenal v Chelsea

Arsenal lead 3-2 in this EFL Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg – Which London team will make the short trip to Wembley for the final?

Arsenal v Chelsea – Emirates Stadium 21.00 CET

Team News:

Arsenal have lost key midfielder Mikel Merino for rest of season. Winger Bukayo Saka is a doubt after struggling with a hip injury. Young prodigy Max Dowman is unavailable.

Chelsea are without CB Toisin Adarabioyo and defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia but both are not missed due to Chelsea’s deep squad.

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Formations:

Arsenal typically operate in a 4-3-3 system, but a recent switch to 4-2-3-1 proved effective, delivering a commanding 4-0 victory at Leeds.

Chelsea under Liam Rosenior have settled into a 4-2-3-1 which is more controlled with two defensive midfielders allowing the attackers more security.

Statistics:

Referee: Paul Tierney (Average cards 3.95 Yellow 0.10 Red per game)

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Match Preview:

Arsenal rediscovered their rhythm at the weekend with a convincing 4–0 win at Leeds. However, their three previous outings showed uncharacteristic defensive shakiness. Chelsea, meanwhile, have pieced together five straight victories under new manager Rosenior, appearing far more composed than earlier in the season. With a one‑goal win needed to force extra time or two to reach the final outright. Chelsea will have no choice but to take the game to Arsenal.

Betting Preview:

With a place in the Wembley final at stake, both sides are likely to come out aggressively. The rivalry ensures plenty of intensity, and this matchup has all the ingredients of another classic. Goals feel almost inevitable, and both teams finding the net looks highly likely