The Carabao Cup has a habit of magnifying moments, and this first leg at Stamford Bridge arrives with layered intrigue. Chelsea welcome Arsenal for a semi-final that doubles as a statement of intent, not least because it marks Liam Rosenior’s first home match in charge.
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Across the technical area will stand Mikel Arteta, whose side arrive as Premier League leaders. Arsenal are six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the summit, a position that frames this tie as an examination of depth and focus as much as silverware. Chelsea, eighth and four points off the Champions League places, are seeking momentum and clarity under a new head coach.
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Rosenior’s opening act came at The Valley, where a rotated Chelsea side swept Charlton aside 5-1 in the FA Cup. The transition from that environment to a London derby semi-final is abrupt, but that contrast is precisely why the League Cup often reveals managerial instincts.
First leg context tests Rosenior approach
The new Chelsea head coach made wholesale changes at Charlton, handing opportunities to players who had barely featured under Enzo Maresca. Jorrel Hato opened the scoring with a thunderous volley, Tosin Adarabioyo also found the net, and Andrey Santos dictated play from midfield. Facundo Buonanotte and Jamie Gittens were part of a fluid attacking trio, while Marc Guiu impressed by scoring before making way for Liam Delap.
That freedom will narrow against Arsenal. Rosenior is expected to recall his established names, with Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto both pushing for starts after cameo appearances that yielded late goals in south east London. The question is less about selection than emphasis. Does Rosenior prioritise control, intensity or transition against opponents who specialise in all three?
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Arsenal, meanwhile, negotiated their own FA Cup assignment with authority. After an early scare at Portsmouth, they settled into rhythm and won 4-1 at Fratton Park, Gabriel Martinelli scoring a hat trick that underlined attacking confidence.
Injury concerns shape Chelsea and Arsenal options
Chelsea’s planning is complicated by fitness issues. Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo Gusto were absent from the matchday squad at the weekend, Rosenior confirming that all three picked up knocks in the 2-1 defeat by Fulham. Marc Cucurella is suspended following his sending off at Craven Cottage, while Dario Essugo made a surprise return from injury by appearing on the bench against Charlton.
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Arsenal’s defensive unit is also stretched. Piero Hincapie is the latest concern after being withdrawn in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool. Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined, and young winger Max Dowman faces a longer absence with an ankle problem. Those gaps introduce uncertainty into what has otherwise been a composed and efficient side.
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Date, kick off and broadcast details
Chelsea vs Arsenal is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick off on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The match will take place at Stamford Bridge.
In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT. Sky Sports subscribers can also watch via the Sky Go app.
Prediction and head to head record
This first leg feels delicately poised. Rosenior’s preferred XI will become clearer under pressure, while Arsenal must manage absentees without losing structure. The atmosphere, the stakes and the proximity all point towards a contest of narrow margins.
Draw, 1-1.
Head to head history reflects the balance between these clubs. Chelsea wins stand at 66, Arsenal wins at 85, with 61 draws.