Carabao Cup semi-final first leg predictions

Four teams remain in the 2024/25 edition of the Carabao Cup, with the first semi-final legs being played this week.

A competition that many people are initially indifferent to suddenly takes on new importance when a trip to Wembley is on the immediate horizon. There are many storylines going into this season's semifinals.

Mikel Arteta's project deserves a second piece of silverware, while Liverpool are proud holders who will not want the Gunners to claim any psychological advantage in the Premier League title race. Their respective opponents, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, are desperate to end their extended trophy drought after finishing runners-up since 2021.

The upcoming clashes may not decide March's finalists under the Wembley arch, but they will go a long way in shaping the dynamic of the ties with the second legs scheduled for early February.

Here's how 90 min think that the first matches will be played.

Newcastle have won five times in a row Premier League and were the beneficiaries of Thomas Frank resting key Brentford starters for their quarter-final.

The Magpies have returned to a familiar level from their 2022/23 campaign. They are a nightmare to play against, and Arsenal should be prepared for some slugfests with a seat on Carabao Cup final in the game. Newcastle are particularly desperate to add to their dusty trophy cabinet.

However, the Gunners will benefit from the suspensions of Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes. Eddie Howe has settled on a preferred line-up in recent weeks and there will be some rotation on Tuesday night after the Magpies were made to work extremely hard for all three points at Tottenham on Saturday.

It all plays into Arsenal's hands, but the hosts themselves are hampered by key injuries. Howe won't have to worry about doubling or even tripling Bukayo Saka each leg with the winger out for the long haul. The Gunners are 13 games unbeaten in all competitions, but their inability to turn draws into wins looks set to stand in the way of the title.

They are already stuck in St.

Tottenham are on course to endure their worst Premier League season since 2008/09, but support remains relatively strong for manager Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs are without a defender and winless since beating Southampton before Christmas, with their recent barren run including a 6-3 hitting at the hands of their next opponents.

Liverpool have shown weakness in the middle of their supreme campaign, and Wednesday's hosts could benefit from Arne Slot rotating his starting XI strongly in N17. We certainly won't see the same side that won handsomely in north London on December 22.

Ange's Lilywhites have edged out both Manchester clubs to reach this stage, and while they are vastly outplayed on paper, their positive second half against Newcastle means there should at least be sparks of confidence in the dressing room. before the visit of Liverpool. The manager desperately needs a result.

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