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It wouldn’t be a festive football calendar without Carabao Cup quarter-final action.
Eight Premier League teams remain in contention hoping to progress to two-legged semi-final affairs in the New Year. Many scoff at the perceived insignificance of the trophy, but those left yearn for a hint of pride.
For Arne Slott and Ruben Amorim, the Carabao Cup success could serve as a springboard for future triumphs. At the same time, Mikel Arteta reached the stage of his Arsenal project where silverware was expected to come as a by-product. Tottenham and Newcastle are magnificent institutions bereft of successful Wembley ventures BrentfordSouthampton, and Crystal Palace are all aiming to fulfill the ‘plucky underdog’ role.
It should be a cracking few days, and here it is 90 minutes Projected to pan out to four quarterfinals.
Most of the quarter-final ties will be played on Wednesday, ensuring that we can grab some time in each encounter.
Armory First up is as they take Crystal Palace At the Emirates just days before they travel to Selhurst Park in the Premier League. The Eagles are among the most in-form teams in the division heading into their mini-series with the Gunners, and will be buoyed by their 3-1 win in the M23 derby on Sunday.
Arteta has worked wonders in north London, but fans expect the Spaniard’s side to deliver. This is a ‘process’ that deserves a trophy, and Carabao Cup This is their best chance of silverware this season.
Liverpool They are no strangers to success in this competition and are the current holders after beating Chelsea 1-0 in last year’s memorable final. That victory did not begin the glorious end of Jurgen Klopp’s reign, with the Reds reeling down the stretch. However, they have been rejuvenated by the arrival of the slot and look well-positioned to stage another title tilt.
The Reds face manager-less Southampton After the club parted ways with Russell Martin following Sunday’s 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.
Among these fixtures, Newcastle welcome Brentford In Tyneside just ten days after bees committed suicide in west London. Thomas Frank’s side have shone at home this season, but they have been one of the least productive Premier League teams on their travels. St James’s Park is always a difficult place to visit under the lights.
|
Kick-off Time (GMT) |
fixture |
guess |
|---|---|---|
|
19:30 |
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace |
2-1 |
|
19:45 |
Newcastle v Brentford |
2-1 |
|
20:00 |
Southampton vs Liverpool |
1-3 |
Thursday’s lone match is arguably the standout tie of the round.
Manchester UnitedTravel to North London to face off, fresh from their dramatic late victory at the Etihad Tottenhamwho also registered an impressive result on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou is somewhat of a divisive figure in the Lilywhite fanbase, and we should expect the mood in N17 to sour if Spurs falter here. However, most of the anger is expected to be directed at chairman Daniel Levy. It has been 16 years since Tottenham last laid claim to a piece of major silverware.
There is certainly less pressure on Amorim heading into Thursday’s clash, with the Portuguese coach’s reign in Manchester just beginning. Victory in his first Manchester derby Meaning he already has plenty of credit in the bank.
The Red Devils are six-time winners of the competition with their last win coming in Erik ten Hagen’s debut season.
|
Kick-off Time (GMT) |
fixture |
guess |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Tottenham vs Man U |
2-1 |
