Arsenal and Chelsea will face off at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in the crucial second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tie. Arsenal will be determined to defend a 3-2 advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners are arriving with confidence after a commanding 4-0 Premier League win last time out.
They are also still in contention on multiple fronts this season. Chelsea, rejuvenated under new manager Liam Rosenior are on a strong winning streak. They will be determined to overturn the narrow deficit and reach the League Cup final. London derby dynamics, contrasting form and squad speculation are in play in this intriguing fixture.
You can find more of our soccer predictions on our main picks hub. Here’s how we’re betting Arsenal vs Chelsea tonight, including our Best Bet, a Same-Game Parlay, and key trends to know.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Match Details
Competition: EFL Cup
Date & kickoff: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – 3:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM GT
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
Expected XIs: Arsenal 4-2-3-1 vs Chelsea 4-2-3-1
Best Bet for Arsenal vs Chelsea
Our best bet for Arsenal vs Chelsea is Both Teams to Score: Yes at -154 (BetMGM) / -138 (FanDuel).
Both teams have impressive attacking profiles and their recent meetings and seasonal performance also indicate the possibility of both teams scoring. Arsenal’s offensive output has remained robust. In their last 30 competitive matches, they’ve scored at an average of 2.23 goals per match while conceding 0.77.
Arsenal registered an xG of 2.68 compared with Chelsea’s 0.65 in the first leg of this clash. They still conceded twice despite dominating in territory and shot volume. Chelsea’s recent form under Liam Rosenior has shown an upward trajectory. They’ve registered five consecutive wins in all competitions and goals in each of those wins.
The output from their forward line has improved goal production even when defensive vulnerabilities persist. Over historical H2H meetings, Arsenal vs Chelsea matches have averaged 2.79 goals per match with BTTS occurring in roughly 53% of games. Hence the frequency of both teams finding the net when they meet is quite clear.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction
Our pick: Arsenal to Win at -154 (BetMGM) / -165 (FanDuel)
Arsenal are currently undefeated in nine recent meetings with Chelsea across all competitions. This includes six wins and three draws, marking their most favourable run in this fixture since the late 1990s. Moreover, Arsenal’s home confidence adds another layer of strength.
Their run in both Premier League and cup matches has been impressive. The Gunners have won a strong majority of their last home games across all competitions. They’ve also demonstrated both attacking volume and defensive stability in those games.
Chelsea’s resurgence under Rosenior has also enhanced their momentum. But overturning a one-goal aggregate deficit at the Emirates remains a demanding task. The Blues have shown they can score with five consecutive wins and potent attacking phases. But their defensive structure has not consistently shut down top opposition attacks.
Especially away from Stamford Bridge. Arsenal’s tactical shape under Mikel Arteta often restricts space in central areas and forces opponents wide. It typically favours the home side control. With the tie delicately poised, Arsenal’s greater cohesion and offensive continuity give them the edge reeling in the win necessary to progress.
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Same-Game Parlay (Bet Builder) for Arsenal vs Chelsea
Bet $100 to Win $206.83 (FanDuel) Total Goals Over 2.5 (-148) + Both Teams to Score: Yes (-138) + Viktor Gyokeres to score or assist (-115)
This parlay combines the possibility of a lively match with contributions from key attacking elements. Total Goals Over 2.5 leans on the history of higher-scoring Arsenal vs Chelsea fixtures where combined goals frequently exceed two. Both teams have shown the ability to break defensive lines and carve out shots.
Arsenal have a higher shot volume while Chelsea are impressive via transitions and set pieces. Both Teams to Score aligns with the tactical expectation that Chelsea’s forward structure, especially under Rosenior, won’t be shut down completely, even if they concede early.
Arsenal’s dynamic attack generates opportunities across wide and central channels. Including Viktor Gyokeres to score or assist ties the builder to a primary Arsenal attacking outlet. He was directly involved in their first-leg scoring and often features in their goal-creating sequences. His presence in and around the penalty area makes him a strong contributor.
This builder focuses on a generally open matchup with contributions from both sides’ attacking talent. Arsenal’s volume of shots combined with Chelsea’s transitions supports the Over 2.5 expectation. Both teams possess forward players capable of finding the net even when defending leads. So, the ‘BTTS’ leg becomes plausible. Gyokeres’ involvement in key offensive sequences anchors the offensive contribution leg. It offers multiple paths to influence the scoreline either by finishing or creating a chance.
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Over 2.5: -145 / Under 2.5: +100 Over 3.5: +170 / Under 3.5: -250
Over 2.5: -146 / Under 2.5: +112 Over 3.5: +185 / Under 3.5: -250
BTTS
Yes: -140 / No: +100
Yes: -138 / No: +108
Asian Handicap
Arsenal -1.25: +155 / -1.50: +185 Chelsea +1.25: -200
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Draw No Bet
Arsenal: -325 Chelsea: +220
Arsenal: -350 Chelsea: +260
Double Chance
Arsenal or Draw: -475 Chelsea or Draw: +105
Arsenal or Draw: -550 Chelsea or Draw: +105
Trends to Know for Arsenal vs Chelsea
Head-to-Head History: Arsenal are unbeaten in nine consecutive meetings with Chelsea. The two sides have an almost even long-term record, but the recent edge sits with the Gunners.
Aggregate Situation: Arsenal lead 3-2 from the first leg. Historically, teams that win the first leg of an EFL Cup semi-final away rarely get eliminated.
Home Strength: Arsenal’s home form in cup competitions has been solid. They’ve often posted clean sheets and high shot volumes, while Chelsea’s away EFL Cup form is decent but less dominant.
Recent Form: Chelsea are on a five-game winning streak, indicating confidence and attacking cohesion. Whereas, Arsenal’s overall 77% win rate in recent matches shows broader consistency.
Goals Expectation: Historical matches between these sides average around 2.8 goals, supporting Over 2.5 goals and BTTS markets.
Latest Injuries & Lineup News for Arsenal vs Chelsea
In soccer, injuries and rotations can drastically alter how a match plays out, especially when it comes to BTTS, totals, and goalscorer markets. Navigating through a few key injuries in this clash, both coaches will look to lineup their strongest XI. Here are the players who are either doubtful or are set to miss out:
Team
Player
Status
Notes
Arsenal
Max Dowman
Out
Ankle
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka
Doubtful
Groin
Arsenal
Mikel Merino
Out
Foot
Chelsea
Dario Essugo
Out
Knock
Chelsea
Tosin Adarabioyo
Out
Hamstring
Chelsea
Levi Colwill
Out
Knee
Chelsea
Romeo Lavia
Out
Thigh
Chelsea
Jamie Gittens
Out
Hamstring
Reminder: Always check confirmed lineups 60–75 minutes before kickoff, especially for goalscorer and BTTS markets.
How to watch – quick Q&A
What time is Arsenal vs Chelsea?
Arsenal vs Chelsea kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (8:00 PM local UK time).
Where is the match being played?
The match will be played at the Emirates Stadium in London, England.
How can I watch on TV / stream?
Broadcast rights vary by territory. In the US, the EFL Cup can be telecast on Paramount+. The match will be telecast on Sky Sports in the UK. The match will also be available to stream on these broadcasters’ official websites.
Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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