Arsenal Starting XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Chelsea as defensive crisis shapes Carabao Cup plan

Arsenal head into Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg against Chelsea carrying momentum, but also a familiar sense of fragility. A season built on control and depth now finds itself tested by injuries at precisely the wrong time, with Mikel Arteta forced into contingency planning for a trip to Stamford Bridge.

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Defensive absences complicate Arteta plans

The most significant concern surrounds William Saliba, who missed the FA Cup win over Portsmouth and remains a doubt. His absence would be keenly felt. Arsenal are already without Riccardo Calafiori, described by the club as “weeks” away from returning with a muscle injury, while Cristhian Mosquera is also not close after an ankle issue. There was little clarity on Piero Hincapie either, the defender having limped off against Liverpool with a hamstring problem and now definitely ruled out of the Chelsea match.

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Should Saliba fail to recover in time, Arteta may again be forced to pair Christian Norgaard alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, a solution born of necessity rather than preference.

Full back balance under scrutiny

Elsewhere in defence, Myles Lewis Skelly’s recent dip in form could prompt a reshuffle. Jurrien Timber is capable of switching to left back, allowing Ben White to return on the right. It would be a conservative adjustment, but one that prioritises stability over experimentation in a high stakes first leg.

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Goalkeeper and midfield decisions loom

Arteta also faces a call in goal. Kepa Arrizabalaga has started every domestic cup tie so far this season, yet the temptation to recall David Raya for such a pivotal occasion remains. In midfield, the familiar trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard could all return, restoring structure and tempo.

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Forward line selection remains open

Further forward, Gabriel Martinelli will hope his hat trick against Portsmouth secures another start. Kai Havertz is unlikely to be ready, while Gabriel Jesus has looked sharper than Viktor Gyokeres. Even so, there remains a strong chance Arteta continues trying to play his summer signing into form.

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Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3)

Kepa; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Injured: Calafiori, Hincapie, Mosquera, DowmanDoubts: Saliba, TrossardVenue: Stamford BridgeDate and time: 8pm GMT on Wednesday, January 14, 2026How to watch: Sky Sports