Overview
- Kick-off is 20:00 GMT at the Emirates Stadium, with a place at Wembley in the League Cup final at stake.
- Saka remains a late fitness doubt, while Merino is confirmed sidelined for surgery on a fractured foot.
- Chelsea arrive in strong form under Liam Rosenior after a run of comeback wins, including 3-2 victories over Napoli and West Ham.
- Arsenal have used Kepa Arrizabalaga in domestic cups this season, and rotation from the Leeds win has been widely suggested.
- The Gunners lead the Premier League by six points after beating Leeds 4-0, and teams winning an EFL Cup semi-final first leg away rarely fail to advance.