Two weeks ago the two teams played a goalless draw at the Stamford Bridge so all options are on the table regarding qualification for the great final, especially as both their league matches played this season had ended without a winner.
We need to add that the two teams met at the very beginning of season in the English Super Cup and then they also drew at the Wembley after the regular time, but Arsenal was luckier with penalty shoot-out. Since they later on drew at the Emirates 2-2 in the league, it is reasonable to expect goals on both sides now, but unlike two previous head-to-head played at the Stamford Bridge where the Gunners always play more defensively than at home.
Couch Wenger players had defeated at home Crystal Palace 4-1 in the league last weekend, which at the same time put an end to unpleasant five-game winless streak. True, Arsenal occupies mere sixth place in the Premier League table and the League Cup is its best chance to win a title. Let’s add that last week they lost Sanchez, who moved to Manchester United, while Mkhitaryan come from the same club, but he cannot play this match.
Probable lineups Arsenal: Ospina – Koscielny, Mustafi, Kolasinac – Bellerin, Wilshere, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles – Ozil, Iwobi – Lacazette
Last weekend Chelsea won all three points in the Premier League after it won Brighton away by sound 4-0, which also ended their five-game winless streak. True, they drew all those five matches, although they went further in the FA Cup after they were luckier with penalty shootout against Norwich, so we wouldn’t be surprised at all if now against Arsenal we again watch another penalty shootout that will decided who is finalist of the League Cup.
Thanks to three points won against Brighton Chelsea has returned at the third place in the Premier League, although it still has three points fewer than second-placed Manchester United and three more than fourth-positioned Liverpool. Let’s add that Chelsea has already brought a new player in this transfer window, offensive midfielder Barkley from Everton, but he is not ready yet and will probably skip this duel with Arsenal, just like injured goalkeeper Courtois, stoppers Cahill and Christensen, and midfielders Fabregas and Drinkwater.
Probable lineups Chelsea: Caballero – Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Rudiger – Moses, Bakayoko, Kante, Alonso – Willian, Morata, Hazard
Having in mind that the League Cup is the best chance for both teams to win a title this season we believe that the 2nd leg played at the Emirates should be more open and efficient than the first match played at Stamford Bridge.
Pick: both teams to score
1.64 - 64/100 @1XBet