Carabao Cup Semifinal: Chelsea vs Arsenal - Rosenior's Major Test, Arteta's Wembley Quest
Source: Antaranews/X/Carabao Cup
Chelsea and Arsenal meet again in a history-filled duel in the 2025-26 English League Cup semi-finals. Stamford Bridge will be the main stage for the first leg clash between the two London giants on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 03:00 AM WIB.
For Chelsea, this match marks a new era under Liam Rosenior. For Arsenal, it's a golden opportunity to end the long wait for the Carabao Cup trophy.
Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals after eliminating Cardiff 3-1 in the Quarter Finals. This victory proved to be Enzo Maresca's last win before his relationship with club management collapsed.
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Now Rosenior, Maresca's successor, is trying to rebuild stability after thrashing Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the FA Cup.
However, this challenge is far tougher. Arsenal are in outstanding form with eight wins from their last nine matches across all competitions.
The 4-1 comeback victory over Portsmouth in the FA Cup demonstrated the danger of Mikel Arteta's attack, especially after Gabriel Martinelli scored his first Hat-Trick for The Gunners.
Statistics also favor Arsenal. They are unbeaten in their last eight meetings against Chelsea. In fact, they haven't lost at Stamford Bridge since August 2018. Additionally, Arsenal have scored in their last 13 away matches.
Chelsea are productive at home, but consistency and discipline issues still haunt them. Moises Caicedo's absence due to suspension is a major blow in midfield, though Marc Cucurella's return provides some fresh air.
Special focus is on Kepa Arrizabalaga. The former Chelsea goalkeeper is now a key figure for Arsenal in cup competitions, having just become a hero with his penalty save in the Quarter Finals.
Ironically, Kepa was once a symbol of controversy for Chelsea in the 2019 final. Now he has the chance to bury his former club's hopes.
With a Wembley ticket at stake, this semi-final is not just a London derby, but a test.
Will Chelsea truly rise under Rosenior, or will Arsenal move closer to the trophy they've long pursued?
Predicted line-ups:
Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Delap
Arsenal: Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
