There are still four teams in the 2024/25 edition of the Carabao Cup, with the first legs of the semi-finals taking place this week.
A competition that many initially paid no mind to suddenly takes on new importance when a trip to Wembley is on the near horizon. There are many narratives heading into the semi-finals this season.
Mikel Arteta's project deserves a second piece of silverware, while Liverpool are proud holders and do not want the Gunners to gain any psychological advantage in the race for the Premier League title. Their rivals, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, are desperate to end their long title drought after finishing second since 2021.
The upcoming encounters may not determine who will qualify for the final in March under the Wembley bracket, but they will go a long way in shaping the dynamics of the confrontations with the return matches scheduled for early February.
Here's how 90min He thinks the first legs will finish.
Newcastle have won five in a row Premier League They were the beneficiaries of Thomas Frank resting Brentford's key players in the quarter-finals.
The Magpies have returned to outstanding form since the 2022/23 season. They are a nightmare to play against, and Arsenal You should be prepared for a few clashes with a place in Carabao Cup The final is at stake. Newcastle are particularly desperate to add to their dusty trophy cabinet.
However, the Gunners will benefit from the suspension of Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimarães. Eddie Howe has settled into his preferred formation in recent weeks, and there is bound to be some rotation on Tuesday night after the Magpies had to work incredibly hard to get all three points at Tottenham on Saturday.
All this is in Arsenal's interest, but the hosts themselves are suffering from serious injuries. Howe will not have to worry about a double or even a hat-trick on Bukayo Saka in either leg with the winger out for an extended period. The Gunners are unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions, but it seems that their inability to convert draws into victories will hinder their title quest.
They have already stumbled at St James' Park this season, and you feel Arsenal will need to go into the second leg with the advantage of having the best possible chance of reaching the final.
|
Start time (GMT) |
Combinations |
prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Arsenal vs Newcastle |
2-1 |
Tottenham are on track to endure their worst Premier League season since 2008/09, but support remains relatively strong for manager Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham are missing defenders and have not achieved a win since beating Southampton before Christmas, with their recent barren run including a win. 6-3 anomaly at the hands of their next opponents.
Liverpool Showing weaknesses amid their senior campaign, the hosts on Wednesday could benefit from Arne Slot rotating their starting lineup significantly in N17. We certainly won't see the same team that won so easily in north London on 22 December.
Ange's Lilywhites have overtaken both Manchester clubs to reach this stage, and although they are vastly superior on paper, their positive second-half performance against Newcastle means there should at least be sparks of confidence scattered around the dressing room ahead of the visit. Liverpool. The manager desperately needs a result.
|
Start time (GMT) |
Combinations |
prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Tottenham vs Liverpool |
2-2 |
