Arsenal and Chelsea are reunited at the Emirates tonight with a place in the Carabao Cup final on the line.
The Gunners drew first blood in the first leg clash at Stamford Bridge in January but Alejandro Garnacho’s second-half brace means Liam Rosenior’s side still have a fighting chance.
Arsenal lead 3-2 at the half-way point as they chase down their first piece of silverware since Mikel Arteta’s first season in charge six years ago.
Manchester City or Newcastle will await tonight’s winner at Wembley next month with Pep Guardiola’s side sitting on a two-goal lead ahead of tomorrow’s second leg at the Etihad.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.
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February 3, 2026 6:29 pm
How Arsenal could line up tonight
Tony Mogan
With pretty much a fully fit squad to choose from, Mikel Arteta has some difficult decisions to make.
Gabriel Jesus has been knocking on the door up front but that pressure has helped Viktor Gyokeres find his scoring touch, netting at the weekend having also notched one in the previous leg.
February 3, 2026 6:24 pm
Estevao to miss out for Chelsea
Tony Mogan
Chelsea will also be missing a star man in attack with Estevao Willian currently on compassionate leave, as confirmed by Liam Rosenior this week.
The Brazil international also missed Saturday’s win over West Ham to attend to the personal matter.
I don’t know yet, with Este, he is a young kid who has come and been magnificent,’ Rosenior said.
‘He is going through a really difficult time for personal reasons and is on compassionate leave. I won’t put any pressure on him, it has to be right for him and he has to feel in the right place to perform for this team.’
February 3, 2026 6:20 pm
Saka expected to miss out tonight
Tony Mogan
Bukayo Saka was forced out of the Arsenal starting XI just before kick-off against Leeds on Saturday. While the injury is not serious, it is expected to be enough to keep him out of the team this evening.
Noni Madueke replaced him on Saturday and registered his first league assists of the season that afternoon. He is expected to fill in.
February 3, 2026 6:17 pm
What TV channel is Arsenal vs Chelsea on?
Tony Mogan
You can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 7.30pm and streaming available on ITVX and the ITV app.
Of course, we would much rather you stuck it out with us.
February 3, 2026 6:16 pm
Arsenal vs Chelsea kick-off time
Tony Mogan
We are underway at 8pm sharp tonight.
February 3, 2026 6:15 pm
Good evening!
Tony Mogan
It could be an electric night at the Emirates. Arsenal are 90 minutes away from a final, the first of four trophies in their sights this season with a 3-2 lead from the first leg in the bag.
Chelsea, flying under Liam Rosenior, are out to wreck those plans. As Manchester United demonstrated here nine days ago, Arsenal can be beaten on home turf and they will have to repeat that trick tonight.
Stick with us – all your team news and build-up is on the way.
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