Arsenal XI vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

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·1 avril 2026

Arsenal XI vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

Holders Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge tonight aiming to protect their 3-1 lead and secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Gunners arrive in a position of strength under manager Renée Slegers, currently enjoying an 11-match winning streak. Arsenal were clinical in the first leg, with goals from Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo providing a healthy cushion. They also carry a psychological edge at this venue, having already won at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.

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Arsenal team news

Slegers arrives with incredible momentum but faces several notable absences. Leah Williamson is ruled out, as this high-stakes fixture comes too early in her recovery. In her absence, Laia Codina is expected to continue her partnership with Lotte Wubben-Moy in central defence.

Arsenal will also be without their Australian trio tonight — Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross — the latter unavailable for personal reasons. Ann-Katrin Berger will likely start in goal behind a defensive line featuring the aggressive Katie McCabe.

In midfield, captain Kim Little will provide the experience needed to manage a high-pressure European night. Further forward, Alessia Russo remains the tournament’s standout performer, leading the scoring charts with seven goals and needing just one more to set a new record for an English player in a single campaign. Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead will look to exploit the flanks and provide service for Blackstenius.