Armed with home advantage and a one-goal aggregate lead from the first leg, Arsenal are looking to reach their first Carabao Cup final since 2017/18 when Chelsea visit the Emirates Stadium Tuesday.
A 3-2 victory in the first leg as visitors means Arsenal are in the driver’s seat here, and boss Mikel Arteta will be keen not to let this opportunity slip as he’s failed to guide the Gunners to any cup final since they won the FA Cup in 2020.
The Premier League leaders have been beaten just once in their last 15 games in all competitions (W12, D2), with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Leeds on Saturday meaning they come into this clash full of confidence.
Arsenal have failed to win their last two domestic home games though (D1, L1), and were beaten here at this stage of this competition last term when they were eliminated by Newcastle.
Chelsea’s successful start to life under Liam Rosenior continued on Saturday as they saw off West Ham, but it was far from straightforward as the Blues had to come from two goals down and were booed off at half-time.
Defeat in the first leg of this tie is the only blemish on Rosenior’s record since arriving at Stamford Bridge (W6), so he may feel his side still have a chance to upset the odds in a competition they last won back in 2014/15.
Chelsea have been beaten in three finals since, but having scored 3+ goals in three successive away wins under Rosenior, and winning three away ties to reach this stage, they should travel in a confident mood.
