Arsenal will welcome Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2026, for the second leg of the English League Cup semi-final, knowing that a draw will be enough to secure a place in the final.
Since taking charge, Mikel Arteta has rebuilt Arsenal into a genuine title contender. After years of narrowly missing out behind Manchester City and Liverpool, the Gunners are now firmly pushing for silverware and remain strong in the Premier League race. Although a brief winter dip included a defeat to Manchester United, Arsenal responded emphatically with a 4–0 win over Leeds. Their Champions League campaign has been flawless, with eight consecutive victories setting a new club record.
Chelsea’s season has been far less stable. Enzo Maresca, appointed in the summer of 2024, delivered fourth place in the league and trophies in both the Conference League and Club World Cup, but internal tensions and inconsistent performances led to his resignation at the turn of the year. New head coach Liam Rosenior suffered an early League Cup setback but has since guided the Blues to league wins over Brentford, Crystal Palace, and West Ham. Chelsea also closed the Champions League group stage with a victory.
In this competition, Arsenal rotated heavily but still eliminated Port Vale, Brighton, and Crystal Palace on penalties. Chelsea, under Maresca, progressed past Lincoln City, Wolves, and Cardiff, yet lost the first leg of the semi-final 3–2.
Arsenal average 1.92 goals scored and just 0.71 conceded per match, while Chelsea post figures of 1.75 goals for and 1.13 against. Chelsea arrive on a four-game winning streak, but history favors the hosts: the Blues have not beaten Arsenal since 2021.
Prediction: Arsenal are favored to edge the contest again, though an open match is expected. Over 2.5 total goals looks a strong option.
