Arsenal and Chelsea will reconvene for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tie at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
A 3–2 win at Stamford Bridge last month has put the Gunners in control of the tie ahead of this week’s return match.
Mikel Arteta’s men will now look to finish the job and take another step closer to securing what would be a first English League Cup triumph since 1993.
The table-topping hosts will come into this clash in high spirits after claiming a resounding 4–0 victory away at Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will also be buoyant after staging a stunning second-half comeback to secure a 3–2 win over West Ham United in the top flight last time out.
That result continued a positive start for new Blues boss Liam Rosenior, who has now guided his side to six wins from seven across all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Arsenal to advance
The bookmakers’ odds suggest Arsenal could secure their passage to the final with minimal fuss on Tuesday night, with a home victory priced at 4/6 with bet365.
Chelsea travel across the capital in must-win territory as 4/1 outsiders with Betfred, while a 3/1 draw is also regarded as unlikely by the same firm.
Head to head: Advantage Arsenal
Across 213 competitive meetings between these two London rivals, Arsenal have come out on top 85 times to Chelsea’s 66, with the other 62 encounters finishing all square.
As noted, the Gunners claimed a 3–2 first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge, while the only Premier League meeting between the sides this season finished in a 1–1 draw at the same venue.
Players to watch: More joy for Jesus?
Having racked up three goals across his last four appearances for Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus looks decent value to either score or assist on Tuesday night at even-money on PaddyPower.
Chelsea will be hoping Cole Palmer can help them inspire a comeback in this EFL Cup semi-final tie. The Blues ace catches the eye to register a minimum of one shot on target at 5/6 with bet365.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal are likely to remain without key forward Bukayo Saka on Tuesday night after he sustained a hip injury during the warm-up away at Leeds over the weekend. Max Dowman and Mikel Merino will also miss out for the hosts this midweek.
Chelsea look set to be without Dario Essugo, Jamie Gittens, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavi and Tosin Adarabioyo on Tuesday night, who are all sidelined through injury.
Arsenal: Arrizabalaga; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Pedro; Delap
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Chelsea’s need to throw caution to the wind in an attempt to revive their EFL Cup final hopes, an entertaining encounter could be on the cards at the Emirates, much like the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
That makes Both Teams to Score a strong option at 8/11 with Ladbrokes.
It’s also worth noting that this selection would have paid out in each of the previous two meetings between the sides this season.
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