Arsenal vs Chelsea: Predicted lineups today and confirmed team news

Arsenal and Chelsea meet in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates on Tuesday night, with the home side holding a narrow lead in the tie.

The Gunners picked up a 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge in the first leg last month, which puts them in control but only just.

Mikel Arteta’s men could have been in a much more comfortable position and will feel like they should be after they took a two-goal lead twice at Stamford Bridge.

Ben White and Viktor Gyokeres put them 2-0 up, with Alejandro Garnacho getting one back for the Blues before Martin Zubmendi scored Arsenal’s third.

Garnacho popped up again, though, and put the tie in the balance ahead of the clash in north London.

Both sides have enjoyed some good results in the Premier League and Champions League since then, with Arsenal thrashing Leeds 4-0 and Chelsea edging West Ham 3-2 on Saturday.

They will both be feeling good ahead of the second leg, with the winners going to Wembley to face Manchester City or Newcastle United – most likely City after their 2-0 first leg win at St James’ Park.

Arsenal have been hit with an injury blow for Mikel Merino, who may miss the rest of the season after suffering a fractured foot.

Bukayo Saka missed the win at Leeds at the weekend with a minor hip issue and remains a doubt for Tuesday night as a result.

Teenager Max Dowman is also sidelined due to an ankle issue.

Arsenal XI to face Chelsea – Metro prediction

Arteta is missing a couple of senior players but still has an array of options at his disposal all over the field.

The likes of Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Jesus will be hoping for a start, but they might not get it, with so much competition for places.

The Gunners boss is likely to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga as his Carabao Cup goalkeeper and he might make changes at full-back, but otherwise it will be a very strong side.

Chelsea are struggling with more injury issues than Arsenal, with Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, Tosin Adarabioyo, Romeo Lavia and Jamie Gittens all sidelined.

Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is a doubt and Estevao has been out due to personal reasons.

On the availability of the Brazilian winger, Liam Rosenior said: ‘I don’t know yet, with Este, he is a young kid who has come and been magnificent. 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.’

Rosenior has been difficult to predict with his selections so far as Blues boss, especially at centre-back where he has plenty of options.

Arsenal vs Chelsea TV channel, live stream and kick-off time

Arsenal vs Chelsea takes place on Tuesday February 3 with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.

You can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 7.30pm and streaming available on ITVX and the ITV app.

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