Match preview for Arsenal vs Chelsea

Armory They can take a step closer to their first Wembley final in six years when they host Chelsea tomorrow night.

The Gunners took a 3-2 lead from the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final after a pulsating performance at Stamford Bridge three weeks ago.

Some lackluster form has followed but they looked at their best in a 4-0 thrashing of Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday. In fact, it was an excellent weekend for Mikel Arteta’s side with nearest challengers Manchester City and Aston Villa failing to win, meaning their lead at the top of the Premier League was extended to six points.

Chelsea will also go on a high in the game after an emphatic win against West Ham.

It looked bleak for Liam Rosenier’s side when they trailed 2-0 at half-time after a dismal first 45 minutes. But the introductions of Mark Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Wesley Fofana changed the game and Enzo Fernandez’s goal in stoppage time saw the Blues come back to win 3–2.

Rosenier admits his team are outsiders but hopes the fighting spirit can be found again at the Emirates.

He said: “The reality is Arsenal are favorites for the tie. They’re a goal up, they’re at home so they’ll expect to go through. We need to take it as far as possible and as deep as we can and then the second half, hopefully, will be huge in terms of turning the tie around.

“I look at my team and they can play in big games and it’s definitely a big game on Tuesday. We need to recover, it’s another three-game week. It’s going to be a really physical game.”

Rosenier has made a strong start at Chelsea, winning six of his first seven matches in charge but dismissed suggestions that arriving at Wembley would justify his appointment as Enzo Maresca’s successor.

“I’ll be honest, all this ‘proof that I’m fit for the job’, or not, I don’t really care,” he added. “I’m here to work. If we get to the final, it’s great for Chelsea Football Club. It’s not about me. I’ll prove in time if I deserve it, but that’s not at the forefront of my mind.”

Team news for Arsenal vs Chelsea

Arsenal have been handed the hammer blow of finding midfielder Mikel Marino who is likely to miss the rest of the season with a foot injury sustained against Manchester United. Bukayo Saka is also a major doubt after pulling out of the game at Leeds with an injury in the warm-up.

Rosenier rotated his team for the weekend game and it backfired. The likes of Cucurella, Pedro and Fofana should start alongside Reece James.

Jamie Gittens was picked up against West Ham and is unlikely to feature. Willian Estevo remains on compassionate leave.

Predicted line-ups for Arsenal vs Chelsea

Armory: Raya; White, Salba, Gabriel, Cafarori; Odegaard, Rice, Zubimendi; Maduke, Martinel, Jesus

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Garnacho, Palmer; Peter

How to watch Arsenal vs Chelsea: TV and online streams

Arsenal vs Chelsea kicks off tomorrow night at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on Sky Sports and ITV in the UK. It can be streamed via the Sky Go and ITVX apps.

If you live outside the UK, please click here here To find your local rights holders.

Stats for Arsenal vs Chelsea

• Chelsea have won their last five matches in all competitions
• Chelsea have not beaten Arsenal in a competitive fixture since 2021, a run of nine games
• Arsenal have won their last three meetings at the Emirates