It is the first leg of the **EFL Cup**semi finals and it sees Liam Rosenior go up against Mikel Arteta.
**Chelsea**have competed in the final on numerous occasions over recent years but have not lifted the trophy since 2015. The Blues face a tough task to get to the final this time and know that they will be in for a challenging game when the Gunners arrive in west London.
Having the first leg at home means that it is, however, a great chance to get off to a good start in the tie. They may need to do just that. First legs can often be tight affairs and that may be expected from this one too. The earlier game between the sides in the Premier League ended in a 1-1 draw.
They also come into this game after both progressed in the **FA Cup**at the weekend, emphatically beating Championship opposition.
Some will say that **Arsenal**will offer the greatest test of Rosenior's management so far. It is undoubtedly a huge game and could have a big impact on the rest of Chelsea's season. It would be the ideal opportunity to gain some momentum and kick on.
Chelsea played well in their 5-1 thrashing of Charlton Athletic at the weekend and there were plenty of positives to take. However, the Blues will need to be defensively solid to keep Arsenal quiet. They will need to particularly be wary of the threat that their opponents can pose from set pieces.
It is just another game but it is one that will attract the interest of neutrals as eyes will be on Rosenior and his team selection for the match. If Chelsea can get a positive result then it will be a statement.
Will key players be fit to play?
Cole Palmer has been a key player to Chelsea's success in recent years but he has had a tough 2025/26 season so far. He has been hit with injuries and has struggled to hit the heights when he has featured. He has scored just four goals in 12 appearances across all competitions this season, and he is yet to play in the EFL Cup.
Palmer is certainly a player that Rosenior would like to have available for this game because he has the potential to make a difference going forward.
Another player who has been injured lately is Reece James and he would also improve the side.
That said, as it is a two-legged tie, Chelsea may decide that it would be best not to risk these players and save them for their important league games coming up and then the next leg in February.
Could this game kick start their season?
Recent results in the Premier League have been underwhelming and their last win was not until mid-December but a lot of football has been played since then.
They are still in a promising position in the table and have a chance to qualify for Europe next season. The departure of Enzo Maresca may have surprised some but they acted relatively quickly to get Liam Rosenior in and he will be looking to hit the ground running.
A positive result in this game would certainly be a good way to start and could open up the route to a potential trophy later on in the season. It will not be easy to get past Arteta's side over two legs but there is always a chance.
How they approach the tie will be fascinating because it could be argued that they should look to make the home advantage count and give them a lead to take to the Emirates Stadium and defend.
That said, they will also know that the tie does not have to be won this week. If they are still in the tie ahead of the second leg, particularly given their recent run of dropped points in the Premier League, that would also represent a success.
Ultimately, Rosenior will want to make an instant impact but will know that change can also take time and a two-legged fixture allows that bit of extra time.