Need to know
Arsenal hold a 3-2 lead over Chelsea from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final as they meet again at the Emirates on Tuesday night
Ben White of Arsenal scores the opening goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on January 14, 2026 in London, England.
Arsenal hold a slender lead over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Arsenal vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup
When and where: Arsenal will welcome Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. The game takes place on Tuesday, February 3, and will kick off at 8pm.
How to watch Arsenal vs Chelsea: In the UK, the match is being broadcast free-to-air as well as on subscription services. The game will be shown on ITV1 and Sky Sports Main Event, with on-the-go streaming airing on ITVX and Sky Go.
Away goal rule: The typical away goals rule - the team that scores more goals away from home is declared the winner in the event of a draw - does not exist in the Carabao Cup. This means that if Chelsea win the second leg by exactly one goal then extra-time will be required.
Extra-time and penalties: If the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes of the second leg, the match will go into 30 minutes of extra-time. If the score remains tied on aggregate after the full 120 minutes, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Substitution rules: The EFL has maintained the expanded substitution rules for the latter stages of the competition, meaning nine players can be named on the bench and a maximum of five can enter during regulation time. Teams have three opportunities - excluding half-time - to make these five changes during normal time.
Extra-time sub bonus: If the game goes to extra time, each team is granted one additional substitution. However, they are still limited to a total of six substitutes unless 'concussion substitutes' are required.
What is a concussion substitute?: Permanent concussion substitutes are permitted if a player suffers a head injury, which does not count toward the standard limit.
Will VAR be in use?: VAR will be available for the second leg of the semi-final at the Emirates. While it isn't used in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup, it is mandated for the semi-finals and the final.
When is the Carabao Cup final?: The 2026 Carabao Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, March 22. The match will be held at Wembley Stadium in London, with kick-off expected to be at 4:30pm.
Arsenal team news: Mikel Arteta is sweating on the fitness of star winger Bukayo Saka, who pulled up in the warm-up against Leeds at the weekend. A decision will be made ahead of kick-off on Saka, with Mikel Merino confirmed out with a foot injury.
Chelsea team news: Liam Rosenior has a few absences to navigate as he looks to overturn a 3-2 deficit against the Gunners. Estevao returned to Brazil for compassionate leave with Rosenior not pushing the teenager to return before he is ready. Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen are likely to remain out, with Reece James and Cole Palmer expected to feature.