- The Chelsea vs Arsenal prediction article provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The match will be played on January 14 at Stamford Bridge.
- The winner over two legs will book a ticket to the final against Man City or Newcastle.
The first leg of the 2025/26 Carabao Cup semifinals will take place on Wednesday night at Stamford featuring the London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal.
Title contenders Arsenal head into this clash following a dominant 4-1 FA Cup victory over Portsmouth.
Meanwhile, Chelsea enter a new era under manager Liam Rosenior, looking to build momentum after an emphatic 5-1 win against Charlton in their last outing in the FA Cup.
Rosenior will be leading Chelsea for the first time ever at the Stamford Bridge after taking over the reins from Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea last lifted a domestic trophy in 2018 but their success in this competition last came in 2015.
For Arsenal, it’s close to six years since head coach Mikel Arteta delivered silverware.
The Gunners have not won the competition since 1993.
What time does the Chelsea vs Arsenal game kick off?
The match is scheduled to take place at Stamford Bridge in London with kickoff slated for 2300EAT on Wednesday.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Team News
Chelsea are still missing long-term absentee Levi Colwill as well as Romeo Lavia who has a thigh injury.
However, the Blues have been handed a massive boost as talisman Cole Palmer has been passed fit to start.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with a defensive crisis. Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie are both sidelined with muscle injuries, while defensive pillar William Saliba remains a major doubt after missing recent sessions.
However, the Gunners are buoyed by the return of Gabriel Martinelli who recently netted a hat-trick against Portsmouth.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Robert Sanchez (GK), Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabiyo, Benoit Badiashile, Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, João Pedro, Pedro Neto.
Arsenal: Kepa Arizabalaga (GK), Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Victor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Head-to-head
Historically, the derby has swung in favor of the Gunners in recent years. Arsenal are currently on a nine-game unbeaten streak against Chelsea across all competitions.
In their 212 previous meetings, Arsenal have claimed 84 wins to Chelsea’s 66, with 62 draws.
Notably, Chelsea has not beaten Arsenal at Stamford Bridge since 2018. However, the Blues hold a superior record in League Cup history, winning four of their six previous encounters in this competition.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Prediction
Arsenal arrives as the favorite due to their league form. Their ability to strike early,having scored first in seven of the last nine derbies will put immense pressure on a Chelsea side still adapting to Rosenior’s new system.
However, the new manager bounce at Stamford Bridge and the return of Cole Palmer make Chelsea a dangerous underdog.The Blues will be desperate to take a positive result to the Emirates for the second leg.
We expect a low scoring encounter from these two sides.