The second leg of the 1/2 final of the EFL Cup between Arsenal and Chelsea will take place on February 3 at Emirates Stadium in London. The score of the first match was 3:2 in favor of Arsenal. Arsenal vs Chelsea: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Arsenal
The result of the first leg of the semifinal makes Arsenal clear favorites to reach the final (3:2). To reach the final, the home side only needs to avoid defeat in the return match. Interestingly, in the previous seven editions of the EFL Cup the home side never reached the final. Last season, recall, the home side were eliminated at this stage, losing to Newcastle in both legs by the same score of 0:2.
- The club's unbeaten run in the EFL Cup stands at four matches (3 wins and 1 draw).
- No more than two goals were scored in 5 of Arsenal's last 6 games in this competition.
- The club conceded in 7 of its previous 8 home matches in this cup.
Potential Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3)*
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba – Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice – Viktor Dokeresh, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka.
Only midfielder Mikel Merino is out with an injury. The participation of forward Bukayo Saka in the match is in doubt.
Chelsea
Chelsea were unable to make use of their supporters and lost the first leg. Now the visiting team must win the return match, as even a draw will not be enough. As a result, a run of three wins in this competition came to an end. It should also be noted that prior to that the home side had gone unbeaten in 10 consecutive matches at their arena in this cup (10 wins and 3 draws). In the previous four editions of the EFL Cup, Chelsea reached the final twice, but on both occasions lost to Liverpool.
- At least three goals were scored in each of the visiting team's last four matches in this competition.
- Both teams scored in Chelsea's previous 4 games in the EFL Cup.
- The visiting team has won 3 consecutive away matches in this cup.
Potential Chelsea Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Robert Sanchez – Wesley Fofana, Josh Achimpong, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella – Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernandez – Joao Pedro, Estevao, Pedro Neto – Marc Guéhi.
Defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill, as well as midfielders Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia, will miss the game due to injury.
Referee
Peter Banks (England)
Matches – 16 (the Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (Including Second Yellows) – 65;
Average Yellow/Red Cards Per Match – 4.1;
Red Cards Shown – 3;
Fouls Per Match – 22;
Penalties – 38%.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: Match Prediction
Both teams are just one step away from a long-awaited final. Judging by how powerful Arsenal look this season, the club appears determined to win every competition it is involved in. Meanwhile, their opponents' chances of claiming at least one trophy at this stage are realistically limited to the EFL Cup. However, the visiting team will need to play on the front foot at Emirates Stadium, because the hosts can afford to settle for a draw. Arsenal are adept at catching opponents on the break, so it is highly likely they will capitalise on the guests' errors more than once.
We expect at least three goals in this London derby. Matches between these sides usually deliver entertainment and goals. In 5 of the last 7 head-to-head meetings played at this stadium across all competitions, there were at least three goals. It is also worth adding that Arsenal have frequently conceded in this cup—this happened in 7 of their previous 8 home matches. Chelsea have scored in 18 of their last 22 away matches in the EFL Cup, and in the previous three they found the net at least twice.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
* Each team's starting lineup is shown from its previous match in this competition.
