Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Arsenal vs. Chelsea EFL Cup Semi-Final preview, kick-off time and team news

Originally posted on HITC | By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 3:49 AM ET

Arsenal and Chelsea meet again with a place in the EFL Cup final on the line.

Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, with the Gunners holding a narrow advantage from the first meeting.

The London rivals reconvene after a dramatic opening leg that leaves the tie finely balanced. The outcome will determine who progresses to face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Game Information

The EFL Cup semi-final second leg takes place on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm UK time.

Arsenal enter the match with a 3-2 aggregate lead after the first leg, where a late Chelsea goal ensured the tie remains alive heading into the return fixture.

Where to watch

Team news

Arsenal: The Gunners continue to monitor Bukayo Saka after he was ruled out late in the warm-up against Leeds United.

Mikel Arteta described the issue as a minor niggle, with Noni Madueke impressing as his replacement and pushing for another start.

Chelsea: The Blues have injury concerns of their own after Jamie Gittens was forced off early during their win over West Ham.

His availability remains in doubt, while Liam Rosenior has already hinted at further rotation following seven changes in their previous outing.

Prediction

With Arsenal holding a slender advantage and playing at home, the tie is set up for another tight contest. Chelsea’s depth has been tested in recent weeks, while Arsenal have shown resilience after navigating injuries and pressure.

A narrow Arsenal win or draw would be enough to see them progress, but Chelsea’s late goal in the first leg ensures the semi-final remains finely poised until the final whistle.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea (4-3 agg.)

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: