Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori are predicted to start for Arsenal against Chelsea with eight changes made for the League Cup semi-final second leg.
06:00, 03 Feb 2026
Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are two players Mikel Arteta must make decisions on before Arsenal vs Chelsea
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Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are two players Mikel Arteta must make decisions on before Arsenal vs Chelsea(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal take on Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium, looking to secure their first appearance in a final since the FA Cup victory at Wembley in 2020. Mikel Arteta is putting a lot of emphasis on the idea of winning trophies, and this could be the first of many in this new era.
The Spaniard will be without Mikel Merino, however, who has suffered a broken foot and is expected to miss the majority of the remaining games this season. Bukayo Saka, however, is not as badly hurt as first feared after suffering a supposed hip problem in the warm-up against Leeds United at the weekend.
Arsenal are taking a 3-2 lead into the second leg, which means Liam Rosenior’s side needs to come to attack. It could therefore be a much more open affair, and Arteta will be looking to capitalise on that.
Here is how football.london predicts the Gunners to set up this evening...
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Kepa Arrizabalaga
The Spanish keeper has not looked as confident as he did when he first moved to the club at the start of the season and conceded at his near post in the first leg.
Jurrien Timber
The Dutch right-back has been in such good form, and now that the options at left-back have recovered, he can continue uninterrupted on the right.
William Saliba
The Frenchman has been a key player this season which comes as no surprise and he will be tasked with removing any hope of a Chelsea chance in this tie.
Gabriel
As usual, the Brazilian will be big in both boxes as he looks to win his first major trophy as an Arsenal player.
Riccardo Calafiori
His first start at left-back since returning from injury, as the Italian finds a way back to form which will be very valuable to the Gunners.
Martin Zubimendi
After his mistake against Manchester United the Spaniard responded in the perfect way by scoring at Leeds and helping to keep a clean sheet.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice moved to Arsenal to win trophies, and after reaching back-to-back League Cup semi-finals, now is the time to turn this one into an appearance at Wembley.
Martin Odegaard
Kai Havertz has now started back-to-back games at the ten position and needs some respite before resuming the role at the weekend, and Odegaard came on at Leeds to have an excellent game.
Noni Madueke
I would not expect to see Bukayo Saka rested, and Madueke had an excellent game at Leeds, meaning there is little reason to take any risks.
Viktor Gyokeres
Two goals in two games, is this the time that Gyokeres can finally kick on and find a run of form? The team will be sincerely hoping so.
Gabriel Martinelli
A great record against Chelsea and with the Blues needing to attack, the Brazilian might be the perfect player to take advantage of any extra space.
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