The EFL Cup semi-final, second leg is set, with Arsenal leading 3-2 ahead of the match at the Emirates. Here’s the latest Chelsea team news and a predicted lineup based on player availability and recent performances after a busy schedule that included matches in Pafos and Italy, along with tough Premier League games.
Chelsea Team News & Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal in Carabao Cup Tie
Recent Chelsea Lineup
Rob Sanchez has been the goalkeeper since his main substitute is injured from the Champions League. The defense features Malo Gusto, Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile, with Wes Fofana, Jorrel Hato, and Marc Cucurella included due to rotation.
James can shift to midfield alongside Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos, with Enzo Fernandez also able to support this midfield when needed. Enzo usually plays as an attacking midfielder, and Cole Palmer is sometimes moved wide or left out due to injury. Other wing options include Jamie Gittens, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Estevao.
Liam Delap was the striker in the last match, but Joao Pedro, who can play as a number nine or further back as a number ten, has been in good form and rotates in that position.
Chelsea Recent Performance & Tactics
Liam Rosenior has mainly used a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a shift to 3-4-2-1 against Napoli. The strategy focuses on controlling possession by building from the back and drawing in the opposition. Full-backs have been utilized more dynamically to enhance attacks, allowing wingers to be more direct with the ball.
Since the managerial change, Chelsea’s only loss came against Arsenal in the first leg of this cup tie. They have achieved comeback victories against Napoli and West Ham as well as other dominating wins. However, defensive stability remains an issue, with only two clean sheets recently and several games conceding multiple goals. Their offense has been strong, but a solid defense is necessary for success in competitions.
Chelsea Team News
The manager may be without up to seven players for this match. Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia, Estevao, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Gittens are all reported as unavailable, some due to injuries, while Estevao has missed time due to an unspecified personal matter.
With a packed schedule, some players may require management, including Palmer, who recently returned from injury and played the full match against West Ham. Gusto might also be rested or benched after playing the last two demanding matches in the right-back or wing-back role.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
GK – Rob Sanchez
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Wes Fofana
CB – Trevoh Chalobah
RB – Reece James
DM – Andrey Santos
DM – Moises Caicedo
AM – Enzo Fernandez
W – Pedro Neto
W – Alejandro Garnacho
ST – Joao Pedro