Carabao Cup Quarter Final Preview

The Carabao Cup quarter-finals promise pivotal action as teams edge closer to the first available silverware this season, with a mix of Premier League sides eyeing a Wembley appearance. This year’s key matchups could see players from Saka to Isak define who advances to the semi-finals, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the competition.

Tottenham Spurs v Manchester United  

Postecoglou’s Spurs compellingly beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the round of 16 with Sarr and Werner scoring early to secure a spot into the quarter final.

Tottenham’s attention now turns to City’s neighbours United. The Lilywhites are currently undefeated against Manchester sides this season scoring nine goals and conceding just one in three games. Their 3-0 win to United was one of the contributing factors to Erik Ten Hag’s eventual sacking. Although it is difficult to say which Tottenham will turn up with Postecoglou’s side struggling with inconsistencies.

This will be Amorim’s debut in the tournament – Rúben Amorim’s influence at Manchester United has injected fresh energy and structure into a squad that has often struggled for consistency. This has brought hope to the Old Trafford faithful. The next five games are a litmus test for the Portuguese manager with his side facing Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Viktoria Plzen, Manchester City, and Spurs.

Arsenal v Crystal Palace

Arsenal have not won this competition since 1992/93 in which saw them beat Sheffield Wednesday. Since then, they have lost the last three EFL cup finals they have competed in losing to Chelsea, Birmingham City, and Manchester City.

There is no doubt that Arteta has excelled at Arsenal and has recently seen them challenge for the title but with only one major trophy to his name there is questions whether a major trophy is overdue. This tie against Crystal Palace maybe the opportunity that Arteta has been waiting for with Manchester City out and the potential of one of Newcastle and Brentford advancing this, Arsenal must be seen as a favourite to win the cup.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have only made it as far as the semi-finals in the modern years. Glasner’s Eagles have been a struggling side since the loss of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich with the side failing to replace the French winger and pile on creative pressures onto Palace’s Eberechi Eze. Which has not seen the Eagles bear fruit in the Premier League but Eze has found form in the Carabao Cup, the English International has contributed to a goal every 30 minutes.

💫 @EbereEze10 loves the #CarabaoCup 🏆

In his last five Carabao Cup appearances the @CPFC star averages a goal or assist every THIRTY EIGHT minutes! 🤯🔥

Can Arsenal’s defence stop Eze come Wednesday? 👀#EFL pic.twitter.com/r0p4fXCRDe

— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) December 17, 2024

Southampton v Liverpool

In a 1st versus 20th clash Southampton will be hopeful that they’ll can capitalise on their chances this time round as they narrowly lost the repeat of this fixture earlier this season. The saints led 2-1 with 25 minutes to go. Needless mistakes from defender Yukinari Sugawara who handled the ball in his penalty area led to an 83rd minute Salah penalty.

Saints Academy Product Tyler Dibling has one of few impressive players down at Saint Marys. A player who seemingly improves game by game. Assumingly Slots side will pay more attention on the youngster in this fixture. Moreover, in the summer given the history of players transferring from the South coast to Merseyside. 

Newcastle United v Brentford

Newcastle most recently have reached the Carabao Cup final in the 2022/23 season where they saw Erik Ten Hag win his first piece of Silverware for United. The then toothless Magpies will rue their chances to end their 69-year trophy drought. This season brings fresh hope for Eddie Howe’s struggle side.

The then Championship side Brentford made the QF eventually losing to a Jose Mourinho Spurs Side. The Bees have made strides since then being promoted in 2021; the last three years have seen Thomas Frank establish his team as a mid-table side who can beat the best. Brentford have one of the best records when it comes to beating the top six outperforming Manchester City in recent years.