The Emirates Stadium prepares for a seismic London derby tonight, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as Arsenal hosts Chelsea in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final. With a spot at Wembley on the line, the Gunners hold a slender 3-2 aggregate lead following a chaotic first leg at Stamford Bridge.
While Arsenal is chasing a historic domestic treble, they face a revitalized Chelsea side that has found a new identity under manager Liam Rosenior.
Match Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Fixture | Arsenal vs Chelsea (EFL Cup Semi-Final, 2nd Leg) |
| Aggregate | Arsenal 3-2 Chelsea |
| Date | Tuesday, February 3, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 20:00 GMT |
| Venue | Emirates Stadium, London |
| Referee | Peter Bankes |
The Host: Arsenal’s Triple Pursuit
Mikel Arteta’s side is currently the standard-bearer for English football, sitting at the top of the Premier League and fresh off a 4-0 demolition of Leeds United. The first leg in West London saw the Gunners showcase their clinical edge, with Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi proving why they were the league's most sought-after signings.
However, the mood in North London is tempered by a significant midfield blow. Mikel Merino has been ruled out for the long term with a rare foot fracture, and talisman Bukayo Saka is a major doubt after pulling up in a recent warm-up. If Saka is unavailable, the in-form Noni Madueke is expected to start against his former club.
The Visitor: The Rosenior Revolution
Chelsea arrives at the Emirates as the Premier League’s "form team." Since Liam Rosenior took charge, the Blues have won six of their last seven matches, including a dramatic 3-2 comeback against West Ham last weekend.
Despite trailing on aggregate, Chelsea’s spirits are high. Alejandro Garnacho, who netted a brace in the first leg, remains their most explosive threat. The Blues have developed a reputation for thriving in "controlled chaos," often coming from behind to secure results. However, they face their own injury crisis, with Jamie Gittens sidelined and Estêvão away on compassionate leave.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
The Gunners are likely to be cautious with Saka, meaning Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli will flank the red-hot Gyökeres.
Arrizabalaga; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Rosenior is expected to bring Reece James and Wesley Fofana back into the starting XI after they provided a massive spark off the bench against West Ham.
Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, João Pedro; Delap.
Key Stats & H2H
The Aggregate: Arsenal leads 3-2. Away goals do not count double; if the scores are level after 90 minutes, the game goes to extra time and penalties.
The Streak: Arsenal is unbeaten in their last 9 matches against Chelsea.
The Venue: Chelsea has lost their last three visits to the Emirates by an aggregate score of 9-1.
The Form: João Pedro has 5 goals in his last 10 games, while Arsenal's Gyökeres has 3 in his last 3.
Tactical Outlook: Control vs. Chaos
Arteta will demand "calculated control." With a one-goal lead, Arsenal doesn't need to chase the game, but their high-pressing system usually forces mistakes. Chelsea, conversely, will look to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm early. If Enzo Fernández can dictate the tempo from deep, Chelsea’s quick transitions through Garnacho and João Pedro could turn the aggregate score on its head.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (5-3 Aggregate)
Chelsea’s momentum is real, but Arsenal’s home record and tactical maturity under Arteta in big moments should see them through to the final.
