Chelsea vs Arsenal Prediction 14.01.2026 | Carabao Cup

The appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach may have raised eyebrows at first, but his arrival has injected a renewed sense of optimism around Stamford Bridge, with his reign getting off to a flying start following a thumping 5-1 demolition of Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup first round.

Before the new manager can fully turn his attention to Premier League duties, however, he faces another cup challenge — one of far greater magnitude. Chelsea are set to lock horns with city rivals Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, as Rosenior looks to guide the Blues back to Wembley for the first time in two years.

Despite that encouraging cup performance, Chelsea’s league form has been frustratingly inconsistent. Just one victory from seven Premier League fixtures in December has seen them slip out of the top four, with the gap to the Champions League places now stretching to four points.

Compounding the challenge for the new boss are several immediate selection dilemmas. Key figures such as Malo Gusto, Reece James, and Cole Palmer all remain major doubts, having been rested as a precaution during the recent FA Cup win over Charlton, leaving Rosenior with crucial decisions to make ahead of this demanding run of fixtures.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal arrive in formidable form, riding a wave of confidence built on an impressive nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. The Gunners have navigated a tough fixture list with poise and resilience, sending a clear message that they are serious contenders this season.

The 22-year wait for a Premier League crown has never seemed closer. Arsenal currently sit atop the table with a comfortable six-point lead over Manchester City, holding the league firmly in their grasp and looking increasingly like title favorites.

Their dominance extends beyond the league as well. The Gunners booked their spot in the EFL Cup semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace following a 1-1 draw, while their FA Cup fourth-round clash saw them dismantle Portsmouth 4-1, even with a heavily rotated squad — a testament to the depth and quality Arteta has built.

Yet challenges remain. Defensive injuries continue to test the squad, with Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera sidelined with ankle issues, and Piero Hincapié a doubt following a muscular problem against Liverpool. Still, Arsenal’s blend of talent, momentum, and sheer determination makes them a daunting prospect for any opponent, and fans can sense that a historic title run is well within reach.