Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Chelsea, Martinelli starts

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February 3, 2026 17:02 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Arsenal host Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium tonight.

The Gunners are on a two-match winning streak across all competitions, including a 4-0 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League.

They will now aim to make the League Cup final for the first time since 2018. Arsenal have a 3-2 advantage after the first leg of the semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

Manager Mikel Arteta could make five changes to the starting XI.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the Cup goalkeeper for the Gunners, and he is expected to start between the sticks ahead of David Raya tonight.

There could be two changes to the defence. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to continue in the central defensive department.

However, there could be rotation in the full-back roles. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori could come in for Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie.

Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are nailed on starters in the defensive midfield department, but Kai Havertz could make way for Martin Odegaard.

Havertz has just returned from a lengthy knee injury and may not start for the third game on the bounce.

Odegaard, who has eight goal contributions against Chelsea, could slot in as the central attacking midfielder.

In the final third, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres are likely to start on the right wing and number nine role.

Bukayo Saka has been ruled out of the game due to a hip concern.

Gabriel Martinelli delivered a fine assist coming off the bench on Sunday and could start over Leandro Trossard on the left wing.

Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Chelsea: Arrizabalaga; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.