Antonio Conte is expected to choose a full-strength Chelsea side to face Arsenal in the League Cup on Wednesday.

Arsenal face Chelsea for the second time in a week on Wednesday. This time, it’s a League Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

“When you play every three days and you have to play many games, it means you are facing every competition,” Conte explained to Chelsea TV.

“Now on Wednesday we have to play a semi-final against Arsenal. I think we deserved to reach this target.

“It’s very important in this moment of the season to have all the squad in the best physical form, because you have to play a lot of games and everyone must be ready.”

Conte made nine changes for the Blues’ 0-0 draw against Norwich in the FA Cup this weekend, which suggests that he was resting his big-hitters for the second London Derby.

ozil chelsea
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 03: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal looks dejected during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Considering Arsenal almost completely collapsed against Conte’s side when Hazard netted an equaliser from the spot at the Emirates, it’s not looking good for the semi-final. Especially seeing as the likes of Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas will be rested and ready to feature.

The Gunners are coming off the back of a 4-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup and although Arsene Wenger is likely to make some changes to his starting XI as well, the mood surrounding the club is pretty low right now.

If Chelsea hit us at full strength on their turf, it could get embarrassing really quickly.

The Gunners have a pretty terrible record at the Bridge. In 39 matches, we’ve only won nine.

Well, at least it’ll give us fewer fixtures going forward. That’ll be nice.

As you can tell, I’m feeling super optimistic right now…