Four teams remain in the 2024/25 edition of the Carabao Cup, with the first leg of the semi-finals to be played this week.
A competition that so many are initially indifferent about suddenly takes on new importance when a trip to Wembley is on the immediate horizon. There are narratives aplenty heading into this season’s semifinals.
Mikel Arteta’s project deserves a second piece of silverware, while Liverpool are proud holders who do not want the Gunners to claim any psychological advantage in the Premier League title race. Their respective opponents, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, are desperate to end prolonged trophy droughts that have seen them finish as runners-up since 2021.
The upcoming fixtures may not decide March’s finalists under the Wembley Arch, but they will go a long way in shaping the dynamics of the ties with the second leg scheduled for early February.
Here’s how 90 minutes believes that the first leg will be played.
Newcastle have won five in a row Premier League and were the beneficiaries of Thomas Frank resting Brentford’s key starters for their quarter-final.
The Magpies have returned to a recognizable level from their 2022/23 campaign. They are a nightmare to play against, and arsenal should be ready for a couple of slugfests with a place in the Carabao Cup end at stake Newcastle are particularly desperate to add to their dusty trophy cabinet.
However, the Gunners will benefit from the suspensions of Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes. Eddie Howe has settled on a preferred XI in recent weeks, and there is sure to be some rotation on Tuesday night after the Magpies were made to work incredibly hard for the three points at Tottenham on Saturday.
This all plays into Arsenal’s hands, but the hosts themselves are plagued by key injuries. Howe won’t have to worry about doubling or even tripling Bukayo Saka down either leg with the winger out for the long haul. The Gunners are 13 games unbeaten in all competitions but their inability to turn draws into wins looks set to hamper their title run.
This season they have already faltered at St. James’ Park and you think Arsenal will have to go into the second leg with the advantage of having the best chance of reaching the final.
|
Start Time (GMT) |
fixation |
prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Arsenal v Newcastle |
2-1 |
Tottenham are about to endure their worst Premier League season since 2008/09, but support remains relatively strong for manager Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs are without defenders and without a win since defeating Southampton before Christmas, with their recent barren run including a 6-3 hitting at the hands of their next opponents.
Liverpool have shown weaknesses in the midst of their supreme campaign, and Wednesday’s hosts may benefit from Arne Slot rotating his starting XI heavily at N17. We certainly won’t see the same side that won superbly in North London on December 22nd.
Ange’s Lilywhites have beaten both Manchester clubs to reach this stage and while they are vastly outplayed on paper, their positive second half against Newcastle means there should at least be sparks of confidence in the dressing room before the visit of Liverpool. The manager desperately needs a result.
|
Start Time (GMT) |
fixation |
prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Tottenham vs Liverpool |
2-2 |
