Arsenal vs Chelsea Live Score, Preview & Lineups | EFL Cup 2026

Follow Arsenal vs Chelsea live score, match preview, confirmed lineups, team news, and EFL Cup 2026 updates from Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2026.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 8:00 PM GMT, Arsenal will host Chelsea in a crucial EFL Cup match at the Emirates Stadium, London.

Match Details

NAME: Arsenal vs Chelsea
COMPETITION: EFL Cup 2026 (Semi-Final 2nd Leg)
DATE: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
TIME: 8:00 PM GMT (United Kingdom) | 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT (United States) | 1:30 AM IST (India, Feb 4) | 9:00 PM WAT (Nigeria) | 10:00 PM EAT (Kenya) | 9:00 PM SAST (South Africa)
VENUE: Emirates Stadium, London, England

How to Watch

Arsenal vs Chelsea (kick-off 8:00 PM GMT) in the EFL Cup 2026 will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the United Kingdom, with streaming available via Sky Go and NOW TV. In the United States, select matches are available through Paramount+ (English-language live streams) and local rights partners. In Canada, FuboTV Canada typically carries EFL Cup coverage. In India, matches may be available via FanCode, local sports broadcasters, or digital platforms that hold Carabao Cup streaming rights. Other international viewers should check their regional rights holders for live TV and streaming coverage.

Country / Region TV Channel Streaming United Kingdom Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Football Sky Go / Now TV United States Paramount+ (regional rights vary) Paramount+ app Canada — FuboTV Canada India Local Broadcasters / FanCode FanCode / regional streaming Australia beIN Sports / local rights beIN Sports Connect / apps

Match Preview

Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium in a high-profile EFL Cup 2026 clash as both London rivals battle for a place in the next round of the competition. The fixture brings together Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware and Chelsea’s ambition to make a strong impact in domestic cup football.

The Gunners arrive in North London in strong form, having displayed consistency, tactical discipline, and attacking quality under Mikel Arteta. With key players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice performing at a high level, Arsenal remain among the favourites for the trophy.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continue their rebuilding process and have shown signs of progress under their manager. Their blend of youth and experience, combined with pace on the wings and technical ability in midfield, makes them a dangerous opponent.

Chelsea are expected to focus on defensive organisation and quick transitions, looking to exploit space on the counter-attack. Players such as Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, and Enzo Fernández will be key to their attacking threat.

Tactically, Arsenal are likely to dominate possession and control the tempo through midfield, using their wide players and overlapping full-backs to stretch Chelsea’s defence. The Blues, on the other hand, will aim to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm and create chances through fast breaks and set-pieces.

With pride, rivalry, and progression on the line, this London derby promises intensity, high tempo, and entertainment. Arsenal will look to use home advantage to their benefit, while Chelsea aim to produce a strong performance away from home.

Arsenal vs Chelsea – Match Atmosphere at Emirates Stadium

Team News

Arsenal Injury and Availability Update

Arsenal head into this EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea with a few fitness concerns following recent matches. Manager Mikel Arteta will weigh up fitness and rotation as the Gunners look to secure progression to the final.

Unavailable / Out

Mikel Merino – Sidelined with a foot injury and set to undergo surgery; expected to miss an extended period. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Max Dowman – Ruled out with an ankle issue. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Doubts / Fitness Tests

Bukayo Saka – Picked up a hip/other discomfort in warm-ups ahead of the Leeds match and is doubtful for this game. Arteta will assess him pre-kick-off. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Available / Key Players

David Raya – Expected to keep goal in this cup tie.

Ben White – Set to continue in defence after good recent form.

William Saliba – Available and key to Arsenal’s back line.

Martin Ødegaard – Central to Arsenal’s creative play.

Declan Rice – Likely to anchor midfield in a crucial cup clash.

Noni Madueke – Could start if Saka isn’t fully fit, having impressed recently. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

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Chelsea Team News

Chelsea arrive at the Emirates Stadium with several injury concerns of their own but will aim to overturn Arsenal’s aggregate advantage.

Unavailable / Out

Levi Colwill – Long-term knee injury. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Dário Essugo – Muscle injury. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Romeo Lavia – Thigh injury. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Mykhailo Mudryk – Suspension. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Doubts / Fitness Tests

Jamie Gittens – Picked up a foot/hamstring issue and remains doubtful. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Available / Key Players

Robert Sánchez – Expected in goal with Chelsea looking to limit Arsenal’s chances.

Cole Palmer – Creative outlet for Chelsea’s attack.

Joao Pedro – In good recent form and likely to play a big role. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Enzo Fernández – Central midfield presence for the Blues.

Moisés Caicedo – Key to controlling midfield. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Lineups

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Saka Injury Update

Bukayo Saka picked up an injury during warm-ups in the previous match and remains a doubt for this EFL Cup clash. His availability will be assessed shortly before kick-off.

If Saka is ruled out, Mikel Arteta may turn to Leandro Trossard or Noni Madueke to fill the wide attacking role.

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Arsenal Starting XI – Arsenal vs Chelsea (EFL Cup 2026)

Arsenal team news: Arteta is expected to field a strong lineup with minimal rotation.

Predicted Team: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Ødegaard, Havertz, Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.

Subs: Kepa, Tomiyasu, Timber, Partey, Smith Rowe, Madueke, Nketiah, Nelson, Vieira.

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Chelsea Starting XI – Arsenal vs Chelsea (EFL Cup 2026)

Predicted Team: Sánchez, James, Disasi, Silva, Chilwell, Caicedo, Enzo, Palmer, Nkunku, Sterling, Jackson.

Subs: Petrovic, Colwill, Gusto, Gallagher, Mudryk, Madueke, Chukwuemeka, Broja, Ugochukwu.

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Predicted Starting XIs – Arsenal vs Chelsea (EFL Cup 2026)

With both sides targeting progression in the competition, strong lineups are expected. Arsenal will look to control possession, while Chelsea may focus on counter-attacks.

Arsenal (4-3-3) – Predicted XI

Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard (C), Declan Rice, Kai Havertz
Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard

Chelsea (4-2-3-1) – Predicted XI

Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
Defenders: Reece James, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell
Midfielders: Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández; Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling
Forward: Nicolas Jackson

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ℹ️ Lineup Note

Final team sheets will be officially confirmed approximately one hour before kick-off. Late fitness tests, tactical decisions, or injuries may result in last-minute changes.

Leeds United vs Arsenal Training Gallery

January 31, 2026 • Elland Road • Premier League

Pre-Match Show

Watch the Arsenal vs Chelsea pre-match show shortly before kick-off, featuring live build-up, team news, expert analysis, and exclusive coverage from the Emirates Stadium.

Live Match

Leeds vs Arsenal live match tracker provides real-time score, interactive graphs, possession stats, shot maps, and minute-by-minute Champions League updates.

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Match Summary

Arsenal produced a dominant performance at Elland Road as they secured a convincing 4–0 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League, strengthening their position at the top of the table and sending a strong message in the title race.

Goals from Martín Zubimendi, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Jesus, and an own goal from Leeds’ goalkeeper highlighted a commanding display by Mikel Arteta’s side.

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From the opening whistle, Arsenal controlled possession and dictated the tempo with quick passing and intelligent movement across midfield. Leeds attempted an early high press but struggled to contain Arsenal’s fluid attack.

The breakthrough came in the first half when Zubimendi finished off a well-worked team move. Gyökeres doubled the lead before half-time, giving the visitors complete control.

After the break, Arsenal remained composed and ruthless. Gabriel Jesus added a third, while a defensive error resulted in an own goal to complete a comprehensive win.

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Key Moments

• 18’ – Zubimendi opens the scoring for Arsenal.
• 41’ – Gyökeres doubles the lead before half-time.
• 58’ – Gabriel Jesus scores Arsenal’s third goal.
• 72’ – Leeds own goal makes it 4–0.
• 80’+ – Arsenal control the closing stages.

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Player Performances

Arsenal Standouts

• Martín Zubimendi – Dominated midfield and scored.
• Viktor Gyökeres – Constant attacking threat.
• Gabriel Jesus – Clinical and energetic.
• Martin Ødegaard – Creative leader.

Leeds United Key Players

• Illan Meslier – Made important saves.
• Crysencio Summerville – Attempted to create chances.
• Ethan Ampadu – Worked hard defensively.

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Tactical Analysis

Arsenal operated in a flexible attacking system that allowed their midfielders to overload central areas. Zubimendi and Rice controlled possession, while Ødegaard created space between the lines.

The wide players stretched Leeds’ defence, creating openings for Gyökeres and Jesus. Defensively, Arsenal pressed effectively and limited Leeds to very few chances.

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Post-Match Reaction

Mikel Arteta praised his team’s maturity and consistency, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure and maintain focus throughout the match.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke admitted his side were outplayed and stressed the importance of improving defensively.

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What This Result Means

For Arsenal

• Extended lead at the top of the table
• Boosted confidence in the title race
• Showed strong squad depth
• Maintained winning momentum

For Leeds United

• Another difficult home defeat
• Defensive concerns remain
• Pressure increases in upcoming matches
• Need quick recovery

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Final Thoughts

Arsenal’s 4–0 victory at Elland Road was a statement performance that underlined their Premier League title credentials. With disciplined defending, creative midfield play, and ruthless finishing, the Gunners delivered a complete display.

Leeds will now need to regroup quickly as they look to respond in their upcoming fixtures.

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Head to Head

Arsenal vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (All Competitions)

Arsenal and Chelsea share one of the most intense rivalries in English football. The two London giants have faced each other regularly across the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and European competitions, producing many memorable encounters.

Matches between these sides are often high-intensity affairs, with both teams boasting strong historical records and passionate fanbases.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea – Overall Head-to-Head Stats

Figures include league, domestic cup, and European competitions.

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⚽ Recent Form Comparison

Arsenal

Arsenal have been in strong form during the 2025–26 season, combining defensive stability with fluid attacking play. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners remain consistent both at home and away.

Their high-possession style and aggressive pressing make them one of the strongest sides in domestic competitions.

Chelsea

Chelsea have shown signs of improvement this season, blending young talent with experienced players. Their pace on the counter-attack remains a key strength.

While consistency has been a challenge, the Blues remain capable of upsetting top sides on their day.

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Key Arsenal vs Chelsea Match Facts

• Arsenal and Chelsea have met over 200 times in competitive matches.

• This fixture is one of the biggest London derbies in English football.

• Both clubs have won major domestic and European trophies.

• The match is part of the 2025–26 EFL Cup competition.

• Recent meetings have often produced goals and drama.

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Arsenal Home Record vs Chelsea

Arsenal have enjoyed several important victories over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in recent seasons, often dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.

However, Chelsea’s away performances in cup competitions continue to make this fixture highly competitive and unpredictable.

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Why Arsenal vs Chelsea Is a Special Fixture

This fixture remains significant because:

• It represents one of London’s biggest football rivalries.

• It features two globally supported clubs.

• It regularly delivers high-quality football.

• It plays a major role in domestic cup success.

Prediction

Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction (February 3, 2026)

Arsenal enter this EFL Cup clash in strong form and with high confidence as they continue their pursuit of domestic silverware under Mikel Arteta.

Chelsea will look to remain compact defensively and strike on the counter, using their pace and creativity in attacking areas.

While Chelsea are capable of making this a close contest, Arsenal’s home advantage, squad depth, and tactical organisation give them the edge.

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✅ Match Prediction

Predicted Score: Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea

Likely Scorers:

• Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

• Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)

• Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Key Factors:

• Arsenal’s strong home form

• Midfield control from Rice and Ødegaard

• Chelsea’s counter-attacking threat

• Home crowd advantage at Emirates Stadium

• Arteta’s tactical discipline