Chelsea host Arsenal this evening while they aim to secure a first-leg advantage and reach their second Carabao Cup final in three seasons.
Liam Rosenior’s tenure got off to a perfect start with a record-breaking 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday. The new boss rotated heavily for that cup tie and is expected to bring his senior stars back into the fold as the Blues look to end a six-match winless run at home against their North London rivals.
Chelsea Team News
Liam Rosenior is managing several key absentees for tonight’s high-stakes clash. Moises Caicedo is a significant loss in the engine room as he serves a tournament-specific one-match suspension. Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill remain unavailable through injury, while Mykhaylo Mudryk continues to serve a doping-related ban.
Consequently, Rosenior faces late decisions on Reece James, Cole Palmer, and Malo Gusto, all of whom were rested for the Charlton game as a precaution. Notably, Robert Sánchez could return in goal, while Enzo Fernández—who has provided dramatic late goals in recent weeks—will likely anchor the midfield alongside Andrey Santos. Liam Delap is poised to lead the line, supported by a creative trio of Pedro Neto, Estêvão, and Fernández.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Chelsea predicted XI: Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, James; Estêvão, Fernández, Neto; Delap
When will the match kick off?
The Carabao Cup semi-final first leg takes place at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.
How to watch Chelsea vs Arsenal?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Coverage begins at 19:00 GMT.
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