The second leg of the English League Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Chelsea will take place 3 february at Emirates Stadium in London. The score of the first match was 3:2 in favor of Arsenal. Arsenal vs Chelsea: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Arsenal
The result of the first semi-final tie makes Arsenal clear favorites to reach the final of the tournament (3:2). To advance, the home side need only avoid defeat in the return match. Interestingly, in the previous seven editions of the English League Cup, the club never reached the final. Last season, the club was eliminated at this stage, losing to Newcastle United in both ties by identical 0:2 scorelines.
- The club's unbeaten run in the English League Cup stands at four matches (3 wins and 1 draw).
- No more than two goals were scored in 5 of Arsenal's last 6 games in this competition.
- The club conceded in 7 of its previous 8 home matches in this cup.
Potential Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3)*
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba – Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice – Viktor Dokeresh, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka.
The participation of forward Bukayo Saka in the match is in doubt.
Chelsea
Chelsea failed to take advantage of the home support and lost the first leg. Now the away side must win the return tie, since even a draw will not be enough. As a result, a run of three wins in this competition came to an end. It is also worth noting that prior to that, the club had gone 10 consecutive home matches unbeaten in this cup (10 wins and 3 draws). In the previous four editions of the English League Cup, Chelsea reached the final twice but lost to Liverpool on both occasions.
- At least three goals were scored in each of the club's last four matches in this competition.
- Both teams scored in the previous 4 Chelsea games in the English League Cup.
- The team has 3 consecutive away wins in this cup.
Potential Chelsea Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Robert Sanchez – Wesley Fofana, Josh Achimpon, Trevo Chalobah, Marc Cucurella – Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernandez – Joao Pedro, Estevao, Pedro Neto – Marc Giu.
Defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill, as well as midfielders Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia, will miss the game due to injury.
Referee
Peter Banks (England)
Matches – 16 (the Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (including second yellows) – 65;
Average yellow/red cards per match – 4.1;
Red Cards Shown – 3;
Fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 38%.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: Match Prediction
Both teams are just one step away from a long-awaited final. Judging by how strong Arsenal look this season, the club clearly aims to win every competition in which it is participating (4). For their rivals, chances of winning at least one trophy currently essentially remain only in the English League Cup. However, the visitors will have to play on the front foot at Emirates, since the hosts can afford a draw. Arsenal are good at catching opponents on the break, so it is highly likely they will capitalise on the guests' mistakes more than once.
We expect at least three goals in this London derby. Matches between these sides usually offer spectacle and scoring. In 5 of the 7 previous head-to-head meetings held at this stadium across all competitions, there were at least three goals. It is also worth adding that Arsenal have conceded fairly often in this cup – that happened in 7 of their previous 8 home matches. Chelsea found the net in 18 of their last 22 away matches in the English League Cup, and in the previous three they scored at least two goals.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
* For each team, the starting lineup shown is from their last match in this competition.
