The Carabao Cup heats up with two massive semi-final clashes this week. First up, Arsenal host Newcastle on Tuesday, followed by Tottenham taking on Liverpool on Wednesday. It’s crunch time for these teams, with silverware tantalizingly close!
Arsenal v Newcastle – Tuesday, 8pm
Arsenal are riding a 13-match unbeaten streak, but recent draws, including a frustrating 1-1 against Brighton, have left fans wondering if they can sustain their title push. Injuries are piling up for Mikel Arteta, with Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka, and Raheem Sterling all sidelined. Gabriel Martinelli is likely to shift to the right flank, with Leandro Trossard stepping up on the left.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are in blistering form. A stunning 2-1 win over Spurs last weekend made it six straight victories in all competitions. However, Eddie Howe has his own squad issues, with Fabian Schär and Bruno Guimarães suspended and key players like Callum Wilson and Nick Pope still out. Alexander Isak, though, is on fire with seven goals in as many games, and Newcastle fans will hope he keeps the streak alive.
Newcastle have never won a trophy in most fans’ lifetimes, but they’re hungry. Arsenal have home advantage, but this could be a tight one.
Tottenham v Liverpool – Wednesday, 8pm
Spurs are in disarray. Four league games without a win and a growing injury list mean Ange Postecoglou has a mountain to climb. Last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle saw makeshift lineups and emergency debuts, and with key defenders out and their keeper situation in flux, they’ll need a miracle. Rodrigo Bentancur’s return is a rare boost, but even that might not be enough.
Liverpool, meanwhile, look unstoppable. Arne Slot’s side is cruising at the top of the Premier League and Champions League, and they’ve lost just two away games all season. With Caoimhin Kelleher, Darwin Núñez, and Wataru Endo likely to come in, they have depth and quality to spare. Oh, and let’s not forget the last time they visited Spurs – a 6-2 demolition job.
Spurs will fight, but let’s be real this is Liverpool’s game to lose. It’s all to play for in the Carabao Cup – who will step up when it matters most?
