Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge tonight marks the beginning of a two-part battle for a place at Wembley, and while the Carabao Cup may not sit at the top of the club’s priority list, the circumstances surrounding this semi-final make it impossible to treat lightly.
This is a London derby, a semi-final, and an opportunity to move within touching distance of a trophy — something this group, and its manager, could benefit from more than ever.
A Squad Tested at the Back
Mikel Arteta heads into the first leg with a squad that looks well stocked in midfield and attack, but worryingly thin in defence. Several injuries have stripped Arsenal of depth at the back, and there are still question marks over the availability of William Saliba after he missed the FA Cup win at the weekend.
Should he fail to make the squad, Arsenal could be left relying on a makeshift back four featuring Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. It’s a unit with quality and promise, but also one that has seen little time together — not ideal against unpredictable opposition in a high-stakes away fixture.
Declan Rice has shown this season that he can drop into defensive areas if needed, but asking him to do so again would weaken Arsenal elsewhere, something Arteta will be keen to avoid.
Midfield Control Is Key
Further forward, the picture is more settled. Rice is expected to anchor midfield, with Martin Ødegaard and Martin Zubimendi likely to return and provide structure, tempo, and leadership in the middle of the park. Against a Chelsea side capable of pressing aggressively or sitting deep, Arsenal’s ability to dictate the rhythm could be decisive.
The attacking line-up is where the biggest selection calls remain. Bukayo Saka should return to the starting XI, but doubts over Leandro Trossard’s fitness may force a rethink on the left. Gabriel Martinelli is an obvious alternative and arrives with momentum after an eye-catching recent performance.
Through the middle, Arteta must decide between continuity and chemistry. Viktor Gyökeres may get the nod if Gabriel Jesus’ minutes continue to be managed carefully, though the manager will be well aware that Jesus’ understanding with Martinelli has often brought Arsenal greater fluidity.
Managing the Tie, Not Just the Night
With this being the first of two legs, Arsenal’s approach is unlikely to be all-out from the start. The priority will be avoiding damage, staying compact, and giving themselves a platform to attack the return leg at the Emirates.
That said, the context of this fixture elevates its importance. A semi-final against Chelsea demands focus and intensity, regardless of where the competition sits in the wider season.
The players themselves have been clear on that. There is an understanding within the squad that every game carries responsibility, and that standards do not drop simply because silverware isn’t guaranteed at the end of the week.
Arteta, too, knows what is at stake. Progressing past this stage would not only put Arsenal one step from a final, but also help shift a narrative around near-misses in knockout football — a narrative he will be eager to change.
Setting the Platform
Arsenal fell short at this stage last season. This time, the challenge is different, the squad is more mature, and the expectations are higher. Tonight is about composure, discipline, and making sure the tie remains firmly in Arsenal’s control ahead of the second leg.
The road to Wembley doesn’t end at Stamford Bridge — but it can certainly begin there.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!!!
