The stage is set for an intense London showdown as Chelsea host Arsenal in the first leg of the 2026 Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
With a place in the final on the line, both teams are eager to assert dominance early in the tie.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Kick-Off: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
- Location: Stamford Bridge, London
- Referee: Simon Hooper
- VAR Official: Jarred Gillett
Head-to-Head: Last 5 Encounters
- Chelsea Wins: 0
- Arsenal Wins: 2
- Draws: 3
- Last Meeting: Chelsea 1–1 Arsenal (Premier League, Nov 30, 2025)
Current Form
Chelsea:
- Charlton 1–5 Chelsea
- Fulham 2–1 Chelsea
- Man City 1–1 Chelsea
- Chelsea 2–2 Bournemouth
- Chelsea 1–2 Aston Villa
Arsenal:
- Portsmouth 1–4 Arsenal
- Arsenal 0–0 Liverpool
- Bournemouth 2–3 Arsenal
- Arsenal 4–1 Aston Villa
- Arsenal 2–1 Brighton
Chelsea Team News
New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior makes his Stamford Bridge debut, following a 5–1 FA Cup victory over Charlton.
Key players like Levi Colwill and Roméo Lavia are sidelined with injuries, while Marc Cucurella returns after suspension. Other stars like Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, and Reece James are doubtful for selection.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):
Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, James; Estêvão, Fernández, Neto; Delap
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal’s squad remains largely fit, though Kai Havertz is unlikely to start.
Viktor Gyökeres is expected to lead the line alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Midfielders Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Martín Zubimendi are all set to feature.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli
Match Prediction
Chelsea have struggled against Arsenal in recent seasons, with no wins since the 2021–22 campaign.
With Rosenior at the helm, the Blues are still finding their footing. Expect a tight, tactical match with limited goals.
Predicted Score: Chelsea 1–1 Arsenal
