Arsenal vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·3 Februari 2026

Arsenal vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, aiming to defend a 3–2 aggregate lead and reach their first League Cup final in eight years.

The Gunners have moved into a commanding position domestically and on the continent, currently sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League. Manager Mikel Arteta has transformed his side into a consistent winning machine, remaining unbeaten in their last nine meetings with the Blues. The side also possesses significant creative depth; only Rubin Colwill (4.2) has created more chances per 90 minutes in this season’s competition than Bukayo Saka (3.7), highlighting the threat the hosts pose from wide areas.

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Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta manages a squad navigating a significant injury blow in the heart of the engine room. Notably, Mikel Merino is out for a significant period with a fractured foot that requires surgery. Consequently, Arteta will lean heavily on Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice to anchor the midfield. Talisman Bukayo Saka faces a late fitness test after a hip issue forced him out of the Leeds fixture. If he is unavailable, Noni Madueke is expected to keep his place following a goalscoring performance over the weekend.

Kepa Arrizabalaga could continue in goal for this cup fixture against his former club, having started the first leg. The defensive line is likely to feature William Saliba and Gabriel, while Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori provide defensive stability that has helped Arsenal maintain one of the best non-penalty xG differentials in the league (1.73 for, 0.89 against). In attack, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to support Viktor Gyökeres, who was instrumental in the first-leg success.