Arsenal and Chelsea Set for High-Stakes Carabao Cup Semi-Final Clash Tonight

February 04, 2026

London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea will lock horns tonight at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with both clubs chasing a spot in the final at Wembley next month. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT, and the match promises intensity, tactical intrigue, and potentially decisive moments in what has become one of the most anticipated domestic cup ties of the season.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal enter the game on the back of strong Premier League form, unbeaten in their last nine league matches and sitting firmly in the title race. Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, have shown flashes of quality but remain inconsistent in the league, making this competition a prime opportunity to salvage silverware and build momentum.

Key Storylines Ahead of Kick-Off

Arsenal will look to leverage home advantage and their recent attacking fluency. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli form a dangerous front line, while Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are expected to control the midfield battle. The Gunners have been particularly strong at the Emirates this season, losing only once in all competitions at home.

Chelsea arrive with confidence from their attacking options. Cole Palmer remains the creative heartbeat, supported by Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, while the midfield trio of Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Romeo Lavia will aim to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm. Defender Levi Colwill is likely to face his former club, adding an extra layer of narrative.

Both managers have rotated heavily in earlier cup rounds, but this semi-final first leg is expected to see near-full-strength lineups as the prize of a Wembley final looms large.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head Context

Arsenal have won three of their last five meetings with Chelsea across all competitions, including a convincing league victory earlier this season. Chelsea's last win at the Emirates came in 2023, and Maresca will be keen to end that drought tonight.

In the Premier League table, Arsenal sit second, while Chelsea occupy a mid-table position, making the cup run even more valuable for the Blues as a path to European qualification and a trophy.

What to Watch For

• Midfield battle: Rice and Ødegaard vs Caicedo, Fernández, and Lavia will likely dictate tempo and control.
• Set-piece threat: Both teams rank among the league's best at attacking and defending dead balls.
• Counter-attacking speed: Chelsea's wide players could exploit Arsenal's high defensive line on the break.
• Home atmosphere: A sold-out Emirates is expected to create a cauldron of noise, potentially giving Arsenal a crucial edge.

The winner of this two-legged tie will face either Manchester City or Tottenham in the final on March 15 at Wembley. Tonight's result will set the tone for the return leg at Stamford Bridge in two weeks' time.

With Premier League and European commitments on the horizon, both sides know the importance of gaining an advantage in this first leg. Expect a fiercely contested, high-quality encounter as two proud London clubs battle for a place in the Carabao Cup final.