It wouldn't be a festive football calendar without some 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 supposed insignificance of this trophy, but those who remain are all desperate for a hint of glory.
For Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim, Carabao Cup success could serve as a springboard for future conquests. At the same time, Mikel Arteta reached the stage of his Arsenal project where silverware was expected to arrive as a by-product. Tottenham and Newcastle are magnificent institutions without successful ventures at Wembley, with BrentfordSouthampton and Crystal Palace all aiming to fulfill the role of 'daring loser'.
It should take a few days, and here's how 90 min anticipates going through the four quarterfinals.
Most of the quarter-final matches will be played on Wednesday, with irregular kick-off times ensuring that we can catch a bit of each encounter.
Arsenal are the first as they take over 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 going into the mini-series with the Gunners, and they will be in high spirits after 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 is their best chance of silverware this season.
Liverpool 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 triumph did not set off a glorious end to Jurgen Klopp's reign, with the Reds reeling. However, they have been rejuvenated by the arrival of Slot and look well placed to stage another title tilt.
The Reds face a coach without a coach Southampton after the club parted ways with Russell Martin shortly after Sunday's 5-0 drubbing at home to Tottenham.
In between these matches, Newcastle welcome Brentford on Tyneside just ten days after succumbing to the Bees in west London. Thomas Frank's side have been brilliant at home this season, but they have been one of the least productive sides in the Premier League on their travels. St. James' Park is always a difficult place to visit under the lights.
|
Departure Time (GMT) |
rectifier |
PREDICTION |
|---|---|---|
|
19:30 |
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace |
2-1 |
|
19:45 |
Newcastle vs Brentford |
2-1 |
|
20:00 |
Southampton vs Liverpool |
1-3 |
Thursday's single game is arguably the most prominent game of the round.
Manchester Unitedfresh from their dramatic late win at the Etihad, travel to north London to face off Tottenhamwho also recorded an impressive score on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou remains somewhat of a divisive figure among Lilywhite fans, and we should expect the mood to sour in N17 if Spurs falter here. However, expect much of the angst to be directed at chairman Daniel Levy. It's been 16 years since Tottenham last claimed a piece of major silverware.
There is certainly less pressure on Amorim going into Thursday's game, with the Portuguese manager's reign in Manchester just beginning. Victory in his first Manchester derby means he already has a lot of credit in the bank.
The Red Devils are six-time winners of the competition with their latest victory coming in Erik ten Hag's debut season.
|
Departure Time (GMT) |
rectifier |
PREDICTION |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Tottenham vs Man Utd |
2-1 |