Chelsea is set to host London rivals Arsenal in the highly anticipated first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The match, taking place at Stamford Bridge, marks a significant fixture in the English football calendar, with both teams vying for a spot in the final. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 PM UK time. For Chelsea, this encounter is particularly notable as it will be the home debut for their new head coach, Liam Rosenior, who recently oversaw a 5-1 FA Cup victory against Charlton. The Blues will, however, be without influential midfielder Moises Caicedo due to suspension. Other players like Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Cole Palmer are also dealing with knocks but could return for the crucial cup tie. Arsenal approaches the game with significant defensive concerns. Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori are unavailable, and William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are doubts due to injuries. Despite these challenges, Arteta is expected to field a strong side, with predicted lineups suggesting players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice will feature prominently. Arsenal will be keen to secure a positive result to take back to the Emirates for the second leg, scheduled for February 3. For football enthusiasts in India, the Carabao Cup semi-final will not be broadcast on traditional television channels. However, fans can catch all the live action by streaming the match online via the FanCode app and website. This fixture is part of the Carabao Cup's 2025-26 season, a competition that offers a pathway to European football for the winners.