The task is simple for Chelsea tonight. Liam Rosenior’s side simply must beat Arsenal to stand a chance of reaching the Carabao Cup final – but it’s only happened twice in the last decade.
The transfer window is over and while Chelsea fans may be disappointed the club failed to make any new signings, it at least allows Liam Rosenior to focus on his current squad and what happens on the pitch.
Tonight, Chelsea travel across the capital to face Arsenal at The Emirates. Incredibly, it will be the sixth of Rosenior’s eight matches in charge that have come against London opposition, a second against Arsenal.
Who do you PREDICT will step up in Estevao Willian’s absence?🤔
Liam Rosenior gives Chelsea update on Estevao Willian
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
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Rosenior’s second game saw Chelsea take on Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals. A brace from Alejandro Garnacho kept the Blues in the tie, but ultimately, the Gunners suffered a 3-2 loss.
History looks positive for Chelsea, Mikel Arteta might be worried
In the last decade, only two teams have come back from a first-leg defeat to win the second leg and book their place in the final at Wembley. That would suggest that Arsenal are well-placed to go to Wembley.
Chelsea Training and Press Conference
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
However, on both occasions, Chelsea were the team to come from behind to win the second leg. The first occasion came in 2018-19, when Tottenham beat Chelsea in the first leg 1-0. Chelsea won the second 2-1.
The Blues, under Maurizio Sarri, would then win on penalties. The second occasion happened in 2023-24, when Chelsea lost to Middlesbrough in the first leg. Mauricio Pochettino’s side responded with a 6-1 win.
So, while a Carabao Cup semi-final rarely sees a side overturn a first-leg defeat, Chelsea were the authors of the only two occasions in the last decade. Sunderland did it before, beating Man United in 2013-14.
The injury status of Chelsea’s squad going into Arsenal clash
The normal absentees remain, with Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo and Mykhailo Mudryk all still absent. Then there is Tosin, who is doing rehab to overcome a hamstring injury suffered against Brentford.
Complete our XI to face Arsenal!
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In his pre-Arsenal press conference, Rosenior confirmed Estevao would be given time as he deals with a personal matter. In terms of injuries, Rosenior says Jamie Gittens tweaked his hamstring on Saturday.
But Filip Jorgensen could make his return from injury tonight. So, Chelsea will be without a few players including two of their four natural wingers, but the Blues at least have history to feel somewhat confident.
Rosenior made seven changes to his side to take on West Ham, and there have since been suggestions he made too many. Against Arsenal, The Chelsea Chronicle reckon Rosenior will make five more changes.
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