The Carabao Cup give clubs the chance to lift a trophy at Wembley Stadium and secure European football qualification
The reason behind the absence of extra-time in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals has been revealed. Arsenal are set to face Crystal Palace, Newcastle United will go head-to-head with Brentford and Southampton will host Liverpool before Tottenham Hotspur clash with Manchester United the following evening all aiming to book a place in the semi-finals.
Although the trophy might not be the most coveted piece of silverware, it does provide a route to the UEFA Conference League play-off round. However, if the victorious club secures a spot in either the Champions League or the Europa League through their Premier League standing, the European ticket will be passed on – based on merit – to another team in the English top-flight.
Interestingly, for the first time in 14 years, all eight quarter-finalists are Premier League teams – and they’re tantalisingly close to the final at Wembley Stadium. But, before they make their way to the capital, they must navigate a two-legged semi-final – home and away.
READ MORE: ‘As I understand’ – Man City legend claims Mohamed Salah has agreed new Liverpool contract
READ MORE: I saw Arne Slot do something at Liverpool press conference that would have made Jurgen Klopp proud
This remains the case this season despite ongoing pleas from players to cut down the number of games in the calendar. In an attempt to strike a balance in 2018/19, the EFL chose to eliminate extra time for all rounds except the final.
As such, any quarter-final match that ends in a draw after 90 minutes will proceed directly to a penalty shootout. With no away goal rule in the semi-finals, this rule also applies if aggregate scores are level at the end of the second leg.
So, if needed, extra time AND penalties can be played in the final. This term, the Carabao Cup semi-finals are set to kick off during the week commencing January 6 (first leg) and February 3 (second leg), with the grand finale scheduled for March 16.
The draw for that round will take place after Tottenham’s clash with United on Thursday night. The corresponding ball numbers, which will be drawn by Jamie Redknapp and Izzy Christiansen on Sky Sports, will be confirmed prior to the match.
For fans in the UK, the Carabao Cup quarter-final ties can be viewed on Sky Sports and Sky Sports+ and streamed on NOW.
Related News :