Who will reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals?

We’ve reached the quarter-final stage of the Carabao Cup and we’re set for four all Premier League clashes to see who can reach the final four. Arsenal will be keen to secure a major trophy but they face a tough prospect against in-form Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will be looking to win the competition for the second year on the trot as they face Southampton. Ahead of the action, here’s everything you need to know.

Can Arsenal avoid a potential banana skin?

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to win another major trophy, having failed to deliver silverware to the Emirates since winning the FA Cup back in 2020. This year’s Carabao Cup represents a great opportunity to get another trophy under his belt – but games are coming thick and fast over the festive period and he may see the Premier League as his priority.

Arsenal take on Crystal Palace in their quarter-final clash in the first of two meetings in four days between the pair. Despite a tricky start to the season, Palace are in a false position in the Premier League and they’ll be a tricky test for the north London side having started to show their class in recent weeks.

The Eagles have lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions and they were imperious as they beat fierce rivals Brighton 3-1 on Sunday. And while Arsenal are a different beast with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard at their disposal and a strong defensive unit, Palace have countless threats themselves.

Oliver Glasner’s side claimed a scalp in the last round as they won at Aston Villa. Arsenal are yet to be truly tested in the cup so far, beating Bolton and Preston to reach this stage. Palace are more than capable of causing an upset and you could see the action from the luxury of Engage’s exclusive hospitality areas – enquire today to book your place.

Newcastle face tricky test against Brentford

When the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw was made, both Newcastle and Brentford would have been licking their lips at the chance to reach the final four having avoided the big-hitters like Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Magpies reached this stage of the competition last season where they were beaten by Chelsea on penalties. The previous year they reached the final and ultimately lost to Manchester United. Meanwhile, Brentford also have recent experience in the quarter-finals – they too were knocked out by Chelsea back in the 2021/22 season.

Newcastle have been far from convincing of late but they appear to have turned their form around and they smashed Leicester 4-0 at the weekend. Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak were back among the goals and they’ll both offer a huge threat to Brentford’s backline.

Yet the visitors have attacking weapons of their own in the shape of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa and they’ll be familiar to Newcastle – Brentford beat them 4-2 in the Premier League just 10 days ago and they’ll be confident of repeating the feat at St James’s Park tomorrow evening.

Liverpool take on managerless Southampton

While there’s certainly evidence that a new manager can instill a reactive bounce in some teams, it’s unlikely that the turnaround at Southampton will be that immediate. The Saints are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and they finally sacked Russell Martin at the weekend after a shocking first-half performance against Tottenham.

Southampton were 5-0 down at half-time and while their players will be motivated to turn things around, there are few scarier opponents to attempt to get back on track against than league leaders and reigning Carabao Cup champions Liverpool.

Arne Slot’s side were far from convincing against Fulham on Saturday and they may rest players ahead of their Premier League clash against Tottenham this weekend. But they should have too much for Southampton and have already seen off West Ham and Brighton in the competition so far.

Can Man United prevail at Tottenham?

While both Tottenham and Manchester United have not been at their best this season, both sides delivered statement wins at the weekend. Spurs have been criticised following successive defeats to Bournemouth and Chelsea but they put Southampton to the sword in a first-half rout inspired by James Maddison.

They’ll be looking to continue their momentum against a confident United side that masterminded a late comeback to stun neighbours Manchester City on Sunday. Both Ange Postecoglu and Ruben Amorim will be keen to go all the way in the Carabao Cup this season.

Spurs’ last silverware came in this competition as they beat Chelsea in the final way back in 2008. Meanwhile, United have a strong recent history, winning it for the sixth time in the 2022/23 season.

Whichever side reaches the semi-final, they’ll be confident of making it to the final and you can enjoy the clash from the best seats in the house with our exclusive hospitality packages, with food, drinks and entertainment options to suit all needs.

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