Arsenal take a narrow 3-2 advantage into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, setting the stage for a tense encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. With a place in the final at stake, both teams will be acutely aware of the competition's specific regulations that could influence the outcome.
Match Details and How to Watch
The crucial second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, with kick-off at 8pm at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. For viewers in the UK, the match will be broadcast free-to-air on ITV1 and available on subscription service Sky Sports Main Event. Streaming options include ITVX and Sky Go for those wishing to follow the action on mobile devices.
Understanding the Away Goal Rule and Extra-Time
Unlike some European competitions, the Carabao Cup does not employ the away goals rule. This means that if Chelsea secure a victory by exactly one goal in the second leg, the aggregate score will be level, necessitating extra-time. Should the scores remain tied after the standard 90 minutes, the match will proceed to a 30-minute period of extra-time.
Penalty Shootout Protocol
If the aggregate score is still equal after the full 120 minutes of play, the winner will be determined by a penalty shootout, a dramatic conclusion that could decide which team progresses to the final at Wembley.
Substitution Regulations Explained
The English Football League has maintained expanded substitution rules for the latter stages of the Carabao Cup. Each team can name nine players on the bench and make up to five substitutions during regulation time. These changes can be made across three separate opportunities, excluding the half-time interval.
Extra-Time Substitution Allowance
Should the match go to extra-time, each side is permitted one additional substitution, bringing the potential total to six. This allowance is separate from any concussion substitutes that may be required, which do not count towards the standard limit.
VAR Implementation and Final Details
Video Assistant Referee technology will be in use for this semi-final clash at the Emirates, as mandated by competition rules for the latter stages. The 2026 Carabao Cup final is set for Sunday, March 22 at Wembley Stadium, with a scheduled kick-off time of 4:30pm.
Team News and Injury Updates
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces an anxious wait over the fitness of key winger Bukayo Saka, who suffered an issue during the warm-up ahead of the weekend's fixture. A late decision will be made on his availability, while midfielder Mikel Merino has been ruled out with a foot injury.
Chelsea's Liam Rosenior must navigate several absences as his side attempts to overturn the first-leg deficit. Youngster Estevao has returned to Brazil for compassionate leave, with Rosenior respecting the player's need for time away. Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen are likely to remain unavailable, but experienced campaigners Reece James and Cole Palmer are expected to feature prominently.
This semi-final promises high drama as Arsenal seek to protect their slender lead and Chelsea aim to stage a comeback under the unique regulations of the Carabao Cup competition.
