Liverpool’s defence of the Carabao Cup continues with a semi-final showdown against Tottenham Hotspur, while Arsenal face Newcastle United after the draw for the last four was made on Thursday night.
The semi-finals are played over two legs, with the first games scheduled for the week beginning January 6, and the return fixtures in the week beginning February 3.
That first week will be a busy one for north London, as both Arsenal and Spurs were drawn to play their first legs at home.
Arsenal have lost to Newcastle already this season – a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park in the Premier League, after suffering the same scoreline in the North East last term.
Liverpool and Spurs collide in the league before their next cup exploits, as they clash this weekend at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Record 10-time winners Liverpool are looking to retain the trophy, with the 2023/24 EFL Cup having been Jurgen Klopp’s final piece of silverware as Reds boss.
Arne Slot will now hope it is his first, though he will be confident of potentially bagging silverware elsewhere as Liverpool sit top of both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League standings.
Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, is eyeing a first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup. The Spaniard has, however, been keen this week to remind people that he has lifted the Community Shield twice as manager.
Tottenham want to end a 17-year trophy drought, having last won this competition in 2007/08 under Juande Ramos, and give Ange Postecoglou a first Wembley appearance.
Eddie Howe is trying to end an even longer wait for a major trophy, with Newcastle’s last moment of glory coming 70 seasons ago in the FA Cup.
Arsenal confirmed their spot in the final four with a comeback 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Gabriel Jesus, who had not scored at home in over a year, netted a second-half hat-trick after Jean-Philippe Mateta had given Palace an early lead. Former Gunner Eddie Nketiah struck late on in vain.
Liverpool joined Arsenal by defeating Southampton 2-1, in a battle of the clubs currently top and bottom of the Premier League table.
The gap did not show too much on the evening, as Liverpool were made to sweat after taking a lead through Darwin Nunez, and Harvey Elliott extending it. Cameron Archer’s goal made it a nervy affair.
Newcastle United progressed with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Brentford, as Sandro Tonali scored twice in the first half. Fabian Schar added some gloss, before Yoanne Wissa grabbed a consolation.
Brentford’s horrendous away form has seen them win just once on the road all season across all competitions – in August, against fourth-tier Colchester United.
Spurs completed the line-up with a 4-3 victory against Manchester United on Thursday. Dominic Solanke’s brace sandwiched a Dejan Kulusevski goal, and Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back.
Amad Diallo continued his strong form and threatened a fightback by punishing a Fraser Forster error, but Son Heung-min saved then-struggling Spurs’ blushes by scoring directly from a corner. It was much needed, as Jonny Evans headed in another deep into added time.