There are four teams remaining in the 2024/25 edition of the Carabao Cup, with the semi-final first legs to be played this week.
A competition so initially indifferent to so many suddenly takes on greater significance when a trip to Wembley becomes imminent. There are plenty of narratives ahead of this season’s semi-finals.
Mikel Arteta’s project deserves a second title while Liverpool are proud defending champions and don’t want the Gunners to gain a psychological advantage in the Premier League title race. Their respective opponents, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, are desperate to end their ongoing trophy drought after finishing second since 2021.
The upcoming clashes may not decide the finalists at Wembley in March, but they will go a long way in adding to the momentum of the encounters, with the second legs set to take place in early February.
Here’s how 90min believes that the first legs will be played.
Newcastle have won five straight in the Premier League and benefited from Thomas Frank resting key Brentford starters for the quarter-finals.
The Magpies have returned to a level familiar from their 2022/23 season. They are a nightmare to play against and Arsenal will have to prepare for a few clashes as their place in the Carabao Cup final is at stake. Newcastle in particular are keen to expand their dusty trophy cabinet.
However, the Gunners will benefit from the suspensions of Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes. Eddie Howe has agreed on a preferred XI in recent weeks and there will certainly be some rotation on Tuesday night after the Magpies had to work incredibly hard for all three points at Tottenham on Saturday.
All of this plays into Arsenal’s hands, but the hosts themselves are paralyzed by serious injuries. With the winger out for the long term, Howe doesn’t have to worry about doubling or even tripling Bukayo Saka in both games. The Gunners are unbeaten in 13 games in all competitions, but their inability to convert draws into wins is likely to hamper their title bid.
They have already failed at St James’ Park this season and you believe Arsenal need to go into the second leg with a lead to have the best possible chance of reaching the final.
Kick-off time (GMT) | device | forecast |
|---|---|---|
8:00 p.m | Arsenal vs Newcastle | 2-1 |
Tottenham are on course for their worst Premier League season since 2008/09, but support for manager Ange Postecoglou remains relatively strong.
Spurs have been without defenders and without a win since beating Southampton before Christmas. Their recent poor performance also included a 6-3 defeat against their upcoming opponent.
Liverpool have shown weaknesses in their outstanding season and Wednesday’s hosts could benefit from Arne Slot heavily rotating his starting XI in N17. We certainly won’t see the same team again that won comfortably in north London on December 22nd.
Ange’s Lilywhites have overtaken both Manchester clubs to reach this stage and although they are clearly inferior on paper, their positive second-half performance against Newcastle means there will be at least a glimmer of confidence in the dressing room ahead of Liverpool’s visit should. The manager urgently needs a result.
Kick-off time (GMT) | device | forecast |
|---|---|---|
8:00 p.m | Tottenham vs Liverpool | 2-2 |