Chelsea will face Arsenal in the second leg of League Cup semifinal at Emirates Stadium. After the 0-0 stalemate at Stamford Bridge both sides will be keen to get a win to advance into the next round. In the meantime Chelsea have signed Ross Barkley from Everton with just £15m transfer fee. It was a real bargain of a deal in the inflated transfer market these days. The inclusion of this attacking midfielder in the Chelsea side will surely boost up the players ahead of this important tie against Arsenal. Antonio Conte will surely field a strong starting eleven against the Gunners after a disappointing draw against Arsenal in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
England international Barkley could prove to the X factor for Chelsea in this clash, with both teams going all out, in order to win this encounter.
The things have not gone according to the plans of Arsene Wenger and Co after the match against Chelsea in the Premier League as they were beaten by the Championship side Nottingham Forest in the third round of FA Cup. The early exit from the FA Cup will lead Wenger to focus more on this match as the only realistic chance of winning a trophy this season left for them would be the League Cup. But the things will not be very easy against a mighty Chelsea side. Arsene Wenger will be more thoughtful about his team’s defensive organization in this match as one silly mistake may lead to a trophyless season for Arsenal.
Team News :
Arsenal :
Olivier Giroud will not be available to play in the big London Derby due to an injury received during a Premier League match Santi Cazorla remained a long term absentee for them.
Arsene Wenger is playing with a 3-4-3 formation in this whole season. Petr Cech will start in the Arsenal Goal against Chelsea. Mustafi ,Chambers and Koscielny will be playing in the central defense for Arsenal. The dynamic duo of Bellerin and Kolasinac will play as two wing backs while Xhaka and Wilshere will feature in the heart of the midfield for Arsenal. Iwobi, Lacazette and Ozil will be leading Arsenal from the upfront.
Chelsea :
Andreas Christensen will be available for Chelsea after missing the previous match. David Luiz is unavailable due to knee injury. Without a doubt, Thibaut Courtois will start in Chelsea Goal while Christensen, Azpilicueta and Rudiger might start for Chelsea in three man central defense while Moses and Alonso will be there at two flanks for Chelsea. Kante and Fabregas will always be present in the heart of the midfield for Chelsea. Pedro, Morata and Hazard will be there upfront for Chelsea against Arsenal.
Key Players :
The combination of Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard will prove to be pivotal for the Blues in this match. Morata is in great form and his scoring in this match will be a key to success for Chelsea. On the other hand, the trio of Lacazette, Ozil and Iwobi will be up to give the challenge back to the Chelsea defense.
Predicted Starting Eleven :
Arsenal :(3-4-3)
Goalkeeper : Cech
Defenders : Koscielny, Mustafi, Chambers.
Midfielders : Bellerin, Wilshere, Xhaka, Kolasinac.
Attackers : Ozil, Iwobi ; Lacazette.
Chelsea :(3-4-3)
Goalkeeper : Courtois
Defenders : Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger.
Midfielders : Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso
Attackers : Pedro, Hazard, Morata.
My Predicted Scoreline :
Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea.
