Chelsea have a new manager and hope to improve consistency rapidly under him as they face Arsenal in the EFL Carabao Cup semifinal first leg.
This competition offers Chelsea its best chance to win silverware this season, so the Blues should not leave too many key players outside the starting 11 despite their focus on the Premier League and Europe.
A London derby against Arsenal is rarely uneventful. I'll be looking for goals in this much-anticipated clash.
Here are my Chelsea vs Arsenal predictions and free betting picks for Wednesday, January 14.
Chelsea vs Arsenal picks and predictions
My Chelsea vs Arsenal best bet: Over 2.5 (-118 at Sports Interaction)
Rotation is expected in the Carabao Cup, but don’t expect this to feel like a secondary competition. Both Chelsea and Arsenal are desperate for silverware, and a spot in a cup final is very much up for grabs. Even with a second leg still to come, this first meeting should be played with real edge, urgency, and plenty of emotion.
This will also be the first genuine test for Liam Rosenior as Chelsea manager. A 5–1 win over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup was a comfortable introduction, but Arsenal are a different beast, arguably the team to beat in England right now. This is where we start to learn something meaningful about Chelsea under new leadership.
Cup semifinals like this tend to ignore form and history. The lineups should include some rotation, but those fringe players will be fully motivated — either to lock down a role in the squad or to boost their value during a busy transfer window. Add that hunger to a rivalry that’s never short on intensity, and goals usually follow.
With attacking quality all over the pitch on both sides, it doesn’t matter much who starts and who comes off the bench. Chances should be there throughout, which makes the goals market the clearest angle. I’m backing Over 2.5 at -118 with Sport Interaction, and if you’re feeling bold, Over 3.5 at +210 isn’t a crazy thought either.
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Chelsea vs Arsenal same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 2.5 goals
Over 9.5 corners
Arsenal to win or draw
In the Premier League, Chelsea averages 5.9 corners per game, with Arsenal at 5.62. I believe there will be plenty of action around both boxes, and I see the over 9.5 corners as a good option for my SGP.
Arsenal are undefeated in their last nine matches against Chelsea in all competitions. They are also unbeaten in their last nine competitive games, and I see them extending that run.
Chelsea vs Arsenal odds
 Chelsea |
 Arsenal |
|
|---|---|---|
| +210 | Moneyline | +125 |
| +240 | Draw | +240 |
| Over 2.5 (-118) | Total | Under 2.5 (-120) |
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction.
Chelsea vs Arsenal opening odds
- Moneyline: Chelsea +210 | Arsenal +125
- Draw: +240
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 (-118) | Under 2.5 (-120)
How to watch Chelsea vs Arsenal
| Location | Stamford Bridge, London, England |
| Time | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Paramount+ |
| Weather | Cloudy but dry conditions. |
Chelsea vs Arsenal key injuries
Chelsea: Malo Gusto RB (Questionable), Moises Caicedo CM (Out).
Arsenal: Riccardo Calafiori CB (Out), Piero Hincapie CB (Out), Cristhian Mosquera CB (Out), Max Dowman FW (Out).
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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