This is going to be the Match of the season for Arsenal after being out of the contention from the third round of FA Cup. They will go with all their guns blazing against a mighty Chelsea side who are really difficult to be beaten at Stamford Bridge. Both teams will be keen to reach the final of the League Cup to win the first silverware of the season. The first leg of the Semifinal is going to take place at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
The Blues’ boss Antonio Conte might be furious with his side’s performance against Norwich City in the third round of FA Cup which has forced them to play a ‘Replay’ in this congested set of fixtures awaiting for them in this month.
No new injury concerns are there for Antonio Conte and he might opt to play the new signing of the winter transfer window Ross Barkley if the player is fit enough to play as Tiemoue Bakayoko is not performing well in last few matches for the Blues.
On the other hand, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will have to watch from the stands with 3 game touchline ban handed by FA due to his comments on referee’s decisions in two consecutive games against West Bromwich and Chelsea.
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. Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny and Sead Kolasinac are also Doubtful against Chelsea in the League Cup semifinal.
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. Bellerin and Kolasinac will once again be expected to play as two wing backs while Xhaka and Wilshere will feature in the heart of the midfield for Arsenal. Sanchez, Lacazette and Ozil will be leading Arsenal from the upfront.
Chelsea :
Andreas Christensen will be available for the Blues after missing the previous match. David Luiz is unavailable due to knee injury. 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 them. Kante and Fabregas will be there in 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 Sanchez 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, Sanchez; Lacazette.
Chelsea :(3-4-3)
Goalkeeper : Courtois
Defenders : Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger.
Midfielders : Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso
Attackers : Pedro, Hazard, Morata.
My Predicted Scoreline :
Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal
