Carabao Cup Semi-finals Preview: The Four Premier League Sides Who Are Vying To Be Crowned EFL Cup Champions
While we might have another thrilling Premier League title scrap on our hands following Arsenals dramatic win over Manchester United on Super Sunday, it will be the EFL Cup that once again steals centre stage in midweek.
With the season’s first piece of domestic silverware up for grabs on February 27th when 90,000 fans flock to Wembley, we have four top-flight clubs who are left battling it out.
Watching both Manchester City and Liverpool already crash out of this year’s tournament, the EFL Cup will be lifted by a different club for the first time since 2017.
With the action getting underway on Tuesday night when Southampton welcome Newcastle to St. Mary’s we have taken a glance at the final four competitors.
Carabao Cup Semi-final Fixtures 2023
First Leg
| Date | Fixture | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| 24/01/23 | Southampton vs Newcastle | Sky Sports |
| 25/01/23 | Nottingham Forest vs Man United | Sky Sports |
Second Leg
| Date | Fixture | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| 31/01/23 | Newcastle vs Southampton | Sky Sports |
| 01/02/23 | Man United vs Nottingham Forest | Sky Sports |
Manchester United
- Odds to win the Carabao Cup: 15/16 with SBK
Eventually breezing their way to an EFL Cup semi-final ticket thanks to a routine 3-0 romp against League One outfit Charlton on January 10th, Manchester United will know that they’re seen as the standout pick from the final four.
While the Premier League heavyweights might have endured a tricky start to life under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils have come roaring back in some style and they have continued to gain a string of plaudits since returning from the World Cup break.
Likewise, along with being sat in pole position to secure a much-needed Champions League return this season, Manchester United should see this year’s EFL Cup as the perfect opportunity to end their public trophy drought.
With the former Ajax boss making it clear that he wants to bring silverware back to Old Trafford, the semi-final favourites have remarkably not claimed a single honour since they lifted the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
Newcastle
Odds to win the Carabao Cup: 13/8 with BetVictor
While Newcastle might have simply been in a battle to retain their Premier League status last season, the Magpies are on course for what could be a famous campaign at St. James’ Park this time around.
Only continuing on an astonishing purple patch since appointing ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe last year, it is no secret that the north east giants now have a Champions League spot at the top of their agenda in 2023.
Booking their EFL Cup semi-final spot after breezing past Leicester thanks to a 2-0 victory on January 10th, Newcastle are riding what has been a remarkable wave of momentum and they could be smelling the chance to secure a Wembley trip come next month.
With the mood around St. James’ Park at the highest it has been in recent memory, Howe’s high-flying squad will now be desperate to book their first domestic cup final since their FA Cup adventure way back in 1999.
Attention turns to the Carabao Cup semi final. 👊
🔜 #SOUNEW pic.twitter.com/f1xT3iRdYR
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 22, 2023
Southampton
Odds to win the Carabao Cup: 27/2 with SBK
At the heart of a Premier League relegation scrap and facing what was a monumental challenge on January 11th, Southampton certainly sprung an EFL Cup upset that sent shockwaves across England’s top-flight.
Eventually snatching a 2-0 win against Manchester City at St. Mary’s and sending the defending champions packing, Nathan Jones’ new squad have used that EFL Cup boost as a platform to build on.
Hoping for a repeat display of their heroic quarter-final performance in midweek, the Saints will be looking to claim what could be a crucial first-leg advantage when they meet Newcastle on Tuesday night.
While Southampton might still find themselves battling it out at the foot of the Premier League table, they will be seeking some revenge for their EFL Cup heartbreak at the hands of Manchester United back in 2017.
Left stunned at Wembley as Zlatan Ibrahimovic bagged a dramatic last-gasp winner, Jones’ side will be looking to cause another major upset.
Nottingham Forest
Odds to win the Carabao Cup: 14/1 with bet365
Although Nottingham Forest might have endured a nightmare start on their Premier League return this season, Steve Cooper’s men have come roaring back on either side of the World Cup break.
Really fancying their chances of extending on their top-flight status this year, the two-time European champions could also be dreaming of clinching what would be a history-making campaign at the City Ground.
Only continuing on a stellar rise under the one-time Swansea boss, Forest also booked their EFL Cup semi-final ticket after edging their way past Wolves – the team they were beaten by in the 1992 final – thanks to a nail-biting penalty shootout on January 11th.
However, while Cooper’s side might be hoping to end their 31-year wait to lift a piece of domestic silverware next month, Forest face a tricky task in midweek.
The Reds will get their EFL Cup semi-final adventure underway on Wednesday night when they welcome Manchester United to the City Ground.
🏠 @NFFC have lost just one of their last 10 home League Cup games (W7 D2). 👊
Will they take a first-leg lead on Wednesday? 👀#EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/sBZzm39Jdc
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) January 20, 2023
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