It wouldn’t be a festive football calendar without some Carabao Cup quarter-final action.
Eight Premier League teams remain in the competition hoping to progress to the semi-finals of the two legs in the new year. Many scoff at the supposed insignificance of this trophy, but those left behind desperately seek a hint of glory.
For Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim, Carabao Cup success can serve as a springboard for future conquests. At the same time, Mikel Arteta reached the stage in his Arsenal career where silverware was expected to arrive as a by-product. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are big institutions that lack successful ventures at Wembley, with BradfordSouthampton and Crystal Palace, all aiming to fulfill the role of ‘lucky underdog’.
It should take a few days, and here’s how 90 minutes predicts that the four quarter-finals will be completed.
Most of the quarter-finals will be played on Wednesday, with staggered start times ensuring we can catch a bit of each matchup.
Arsenal they are first as they take over Crystal Palace at the Emirates just days before they travel to the Premier League’s Selhurst Park. The Eagles are among the most up-to-date sides in the division heading into their mini-series with the Gunners and will be in high spirits after their 3-1 win in the M23 Derby on Sunday.
Arteta has worked wonders in north London but fans are expecting the Spaniard’s side to deliver. This is a “process” that deserves a trophy, and the Carabao Cup is the best chance for silverware this season.
Liverpool They are no strangers to success in this competition and are the current holders after seeing off Chelsea 1-0 in last year’s memorable final. That triumph did not spark a glorious end to Jurgen Klopp’s reign, with the Reds floundering. However, they have been reinvigorated by the arrival of Slot and look well placed to mount another title tilt.
The Reds face one manager-less Southampton after the club parted ways with Russell Martin soon after Sunday’s 5-0 drubbing of Tottenham.
Among these matches, Newcastle welcome Bradford on Tyneside just ten days after succumbing to the Bees in west London. Thomas Frank’s side have shone at home this season but have been one of the Premier League’s least productive sides on the road. The St. James’ Park is always a difficult place to visit under the lights.
|
Start Time (GMT) |
Fixture |
Prophecy |
|---|---|---|
|
19:30 |
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace |
2-1 |
|
19:45 |
Newcastle – Brentford |
2-1 |
|
20:00 |
Southampton vs Liverpool |
1-3 |
Thursday’s single game is arguably the highlight draw of the round.
Manchester Unitedfresh from their dramatic recent win at the Etihad, travel to north London to face Tottenhamwho also scored an impressive result on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou remains somewhat of a divisive figure among the Lilywhite fans and we should expect the mood to sour in N17 if Spurs falter here. However, expect much of the angst to be directed at chairman Daniel Levy. It’s been 16 years since Tottenham last claimed a piece of major silverware.
There is certainly less pressure on Amorim going into Thursday’s game, with the Portuguese manager’s reign in Manchester just beginning. Victory in the maiden Manchester derby means he already has plenty of credit in the bank.
The Red Devils are six-time winners of the competition with their last victory coming in Erik ten Hag’s first season.
|
Start Time (GMT) |
Fixture |
Prophecy |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Tottenham vs Man Utd |
2-1 |
