EFL Cup: Arsenal vs Chelsea preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

A Ben White header, Viktor Gyokeres’ tap in, and a sublime Zubimendi goal were enough to secure victory just over a fortnight ago, though Alejandro Garnacho’s brace on the night kept the tie close.

Arsenal return to the Emirates with one foot already in the final, but Mikel Arteta will know from experience that the job is far from finished as Chelsea arrive chasing a turnaround. 

A narrow 3-2 success in the first leg on enemy territory has handed the Gunners control of the tie, and with momentum firmly on their side, this feels like a golden chance for Arteta to end his long wait for another cup final appearance since lifting the FA Cup back in 2020.

The league leaders are riding a wave of confidence after hammering Leeds 4-0 at the weekend, extending an outstanding recent run that has seen them lose just once in their last 15 matches across all competitions (W12, D2). 

That said, Arsenal’s home form in domestic competition has shown the odd wobble, with no wins from their last two outings at the Emirates (D1, L1). 

Chelsea, meanwhile, arrive encouraged by the early signs under new boss Liam Rosenior, though Saturday’s victory over West Ham was chaotic rather than convincing, with the Blues booed off at half-time before rallying from two goals down to win. 

That resilience has become a theme of Rosenior’s short reign, with the first-leg defeat to Arsenal standing as the only blemish on an otherwise flawless record (W6). 

The visitors will take belief from their attacking output on the road too, having scored at least three goals in each of their last three away wins and successfully negotiated three away ties to reach this stage.

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History is firmly stacked against Chelsea, though, as Arsenal are unbeaten in the last nine meetings between the sides (W6, D3), with the Blues not tasting victory in this fixture since August 2021. 

The Emirates has been an especially unhappy hunting ground for Chelsea of late, with Arsenal winning the last three home meetings by an emphatic 9-1 aggregate score.

Arsenal will definitely be without Max Dowman due to an ankle injury, while Bukayo Saka remains a doubt and Mikel Merino faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a foot problem. 

Chelsea’s injury list is longer, with Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Jamie Gittens all expected to miss out.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Arrizabalaga; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gyokeres

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Pedro; Delap

With form, history and a first-leg advantage all pointing in their favour, Arsenal look well placed to finish the job. Chelsea will put in a fight, but the Gunners should have just enough to secure passage to the final.

Correct Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Betting tips

Ársenal to quality 

Over 1.5 goals

Both teams to score