Carabao Cup semi-final: What Chelsea need to qualify against Arsenal

Chelsea make the trip to London neighbours Arsenal for a decisive midweek derby in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Under the floodlights, only one side will book a place in the final and move a step closer to domestic silverware and a UEFA ticket.

Both teams come into the tie on the back of recent Premier League action.

Arsenal maintained their position at the top of the table with a comfortable win over Leeds United, while Chelsea edged West Ham 3-2 to claim London bragging rights and continue a strong run under new head coach Liam Rosenior, who has now won six, out of seven matches since taking over.

What’s at stake and how the tie is decided

This semi-final is settled over two legs, with the winner determined by the total number of goals scored across both matches.

The away goals rule does not apply in the Carabao Cup, meaning aggregate score alone decides progression.

Arsenal hold a narrow 3-2 lead from the first leg. If Chelsea win by two or more goals, they overturn the deficit and advance on aggregate.

A one-goal Chelsea victory would level the tie on aggregate, sending the match to extra time and, if required, penalties.

Any draw or Arsenal win on the night would see the hosts progress to the final.

Historical context

This is the 63rd time Chelsea have reached the last four of a major competition, progressing from 10 of their last 16 League Cup semi-finals.

The Blues also have precedent on their side, having overturned a first-leg deficit against Arsenal in the 1998 semi-final before lifting the trophy at Wembley.

Route to the semi-finals

Chelsea reached this stage by defeating Lincoln City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City, all away from home.

Arsenal booked their place with wins over Burnley and Wrexham before edging past Crystal Palace on penalties.

Chelsea team news

Chelsea remain without Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Tosin Adarabioyo, who are continuing their rehabilitation.

Rosenior also confirmed that Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen are doubts for the tie, with Willian currently on compassionate leave due to personal reasons.

Arsenal team news

Mikel Merino will be out of the semi-final second leg following the announcement he will undergo surgery on his foot after picking up the injury against Manchester United.

Head coach Mikel Arteta also said Bukayo Saka will be assessed ahead of the match after the winger pulled up in the warm-up before a 4-0 win over Leeds United over the weekend.