Carabao Cup semi-final rules for Arsenal vs Chelsea and if there is extra time | Football | Sport
Arsenal host Chelsea in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tonight, with the Gunners leading 3-2 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka could miss on tonight’s second leg (Image: Getty)
- Kick-off time and coverage: Arsenal vs Chelsea kicks off at 8pm tonight at the Emirates Stadium. Fans in the UK can watch live for free on ITV1 and Sky Sports Main Event, while digital users can stream the action via ITVX or the Sky Go app.
- Away goals rule: There is no away goals advantage in this competition. Despite Arsenal scoring three times at Stamford Bridge and leading 3-2, if Chelsea win the second leg by a single goal tonight, the aggregate score is considered a draw and play continues.
- Extra time rules: Unlike earlier rounds where draws went straight to spot-kicks, tonight’s semi-final will feature extra time if the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes. This 30-minute period is mandatory for second-leg ties before any penalty shootout can take place.
- Penalty shootout rules: If the teams remain inseparable after 120 minutes, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout. The EFL has reverted to the traditional system of alternating kicks (ABAB) rather than the previously trialled “ABBA” format.
- Substitute rules: Managers can name nine players on the bench and use a maximum of five substitutes during regulation time. If the match goes to the additional period, each team is allowed one extra substitution, bringing the total potential changes to six.
- VAR being used: Video Assistant Referees will be in full operation for tonight’s clash. While VAR is not used in the early stages of the tournament, it is mandated for both the semi-finals and the final at Wembley to ensure officiating accuracy.
- Carabao Cup final date: The winner tonight will advance to the final scheduled for Sunday, March 22. The showpiece event will be held at Wembley Stadium in London, with the traditional kick-off time expected to be 4.30pm as the first major domestic trophy of the season is decided.
- Arsenal team news: Mikel Arteta faces a late fitness test for Bukayo Saka, who suffered an injury during the warm-up at Leeds United last weekend. While Mikel Merino is confirmed out with a foot injury, the Gunners hope their star winger can feature in the starting eleven.
- Chelsea team news: Manager Liam Rosenior will be without Estevao, who is on compassionate leave, and the injured Jamie Gittens. However, the Blues are bolstered by the expected return of Reece James and Cole Palmer as they look to overturn their first-leg deficit.
Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated
