Arsenal vs Chelsea: Carabao Cup preview, team news, kick-off time & how to watch

[(Arsenal F.C.) Strength]:
1. Arsenal took control in the first leg, defeating Chelsea 3-2 away from home, returning to the Emirates Stadium with a narrow lead. A draw in this match would secure their place in the EFL Cup final and give them a chance to win their first trophy of the season. Facing in-form Chelsea, Arsenal must remain vigilant and defend their advantage with full effort.
2. Arsenal striker Gyokeres is in hot form, scoring in the last league match and netting in two consecutive official games. Additionally, he contributed a goal and an assist in the first leg of the EFL Cup, showcasing his strong performance in the competition.
3. Arsenal secured a 4-0 away victory over Leeds United in their last league match, extending their winning streak to two official games and further solidifying their position at the top of the league, showcasing excellent form.
4. Arsenal's attack has been firing on all cylinders recently, scoring 12 goals in their last four official matches, averaging three goals per game.
5. Arsenal have been exceptionally strong at home this season, securing 14 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss in 18 home matches across all competitions. Their sole defeat was a narrow 2-3 loss to Manchester United at home.
6. In their last 10 official encounters, Arsenal have secured 6 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss. Additionally, they have won their last three home matches against Chelsea, holding a clear advantage in head-to-head records.

[(Arsenal F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Arsenal midfielders Max Dowman and Merino are both unavailable for this match due to injuries. Attacking talisman Saka was injured in the pre-match warm-up against Leeds United in the last round and is unlikely to feature in this match.
2. Arsenal boast an outstanding defense, currently conceding the fewest goals in the Premier League. However, their defensive stability has declined recently, conceding six goals in their last four official matches, averaging 1.5 goals per game.

[(Chelsea F.C.) Strength]:
1. Chelsea suffered a defeat at home in the first leg and now have no room for error. They must secure a victory to have any chance of advancing to the final, making their motivation to win unquestionable.
2. Since taking charge of Chelsea, new manager Rosenior has secured six wins in seven matches across all competitions, gradually earning the recognition of the Blues' fans.
3. Chelsea forward Joao Pedro came off the bench in the last league match, contributing a goal and an assist to help the team stage a remarkable comeback, delivering a commendable individual performance.
4. Chelsea staged a remarkable comeback in their last league match, overturning a 0-2 halftime deficit to defeat West Ham United 3-2, extending their winning streak to five official games and showcasing excellent form.
5. Chelsea's attack has been in full force recently, scoring 12 goals in their last five competitive matches, averaging over two goals per game.
6. Chelsea's away performances have improved significantly recently, currently on a three-match winning streak away from home.

[(Chelsea F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Chelsea defenders Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo, midfielders Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia, and forward Jamie Gittens are all unavailable for this match due to injuries.
2. Chelsea's defense has shown some vulnerabilities recently, conceding in each of their last three competitive matches, with a total of five goals conceded, averaging nearly two goals per game.

[Tips]:
Arsenal have performed brilliantly this season despite competing on multiple fronts, currently firmly atop the Premier League and advancing to the Champions League round of 16 as group winners. Their campaigns in the EFL Cup and FA Cup have also been smooth sailing. The team are currently on a two-match winning streak, in excellent competitive form, with particularly strong home performances. However, their defense has shown some decline recently. Chelsea, under new manager Rosenior, have been gaining momentum and are currently on a five-match winning streak. The team boast formidable attacking firepower and competitive away performances, though defensive vulnerabilities persist. Additionally, Chelsea have historically struggled against Arsenal, making them less favored in this away fixture. Arsenal are more likely to secure a home victory over Chelsea and advance to the EFL Cup final.

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