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 over two legs in the new year. Many scoff at the supposed insignificance of this trophy, but those who remain are all desperate for some glory.
For Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim, the success of the Carabao Cup can serve as a springboard for future conquests. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s reached the stage of his Arsenal project where silverware was expected to arrive as a by-product. Tottenham and Newcastle are big institutions lacking successful ventures at Wembley BrentfordSouthampton and Crystal Palace, all aiming to fulfill the ‘brave underdog’ role.
It should be a couple of days, and here’s how 90 minutes projects the four quarter-finals to exit.
Most of the quarter-final ties will be played on Wednesday, with staggered start times ensuring that we can take something from each encounter.
arsenal they rise first as they face each other Crystal Palace at the Emirates just days before traveling to Selhurst Park in the Premier League. The Eagles are among the most in-form sides in the division heading into their mini-series with the Gunners, and will be in high spirits after a 3-1 win in the M23 Derby on Sunday.
Arteta has done wonders in North London, but fans will be hoping the Spanish side do. This is a ‘process’ that deserves a trophy, and the Carabao Cup it’s their best shot at silverware this season.
Liverpool They are no strangers to success in this competition and are the current title holders after defeating Chelsea 1-0 in last year’s memorable final. That triumph did not set in motion a glorious end to Jurgen Klopp’s reign, with the Reds faltering down the stretch. However, they have been rejuvenated with the arrival of Slot and look well placed to stage another tilt at the title.
The Reds face one less manager Southampton after the club parted ways with Russell Martin immediately following Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing at home to Tottenham.
Among these events, Newcastle welcome Brentford on Tyneside just ten days after succumbing to 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. St. James’ Park is always a difficult place to visit under the lights.
|
Start Time (GMT) |
fixation |
prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
7:30 p.m |
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace |
2-1 |
|
7:45 p.m |
Newcastle vs Brentford |
2-1 |
|
20:00 |
Southampton vs Liverpool |
1-3 |
Thursday’s only game is undoubtedly the most prominent tie of the round.
Manchester Unitedfresh from their dramatic final win at the Etihad, travel to north London to face Tottenhamwho also recorded an impressive result on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou remains somewhat of a divisive figure among the Lilywhite fanbase, 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 major piece of silverware.
There is certainly less pressure on Amorim heading into Thursday’s clash, with the Portuguese manager’s reign in Manchester only just beginning. Victory in his first Manchester Derby it means you already have a lot of credit in the bank.
The Red Devils are six-time winners of the competition with their latest victory coming in Erik ten Hag’s debut season.
|
Start Time (GMT) |
fixation |
prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Tottenham vs Man Utd |
2-1 |
