The Carabao Cup intensifies tonight as Tottenham Hotspur squares off against Manchester City in a much-awaited clash, with both sides determined to make an impact in the domestic competition. Elsewhere, Brighton will play Liverpool, and Arsenal have a tricky away trip to Preston.
Let us take a look at today’s Carabao Cup matches in detail.
Tottenham vs Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are set to face off again in domestic cup action on Wednesday night, with City heading to North London for this Carabao Cup fourth-round clash.
Last season, the two teams met in the FA Cup, where City earned their first-ever win and their first goal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to a Nathan Ake strike. Guardiola’s side later secured a crucial Premier League victory at the same venue in their second-to-last game, edging closer to their fourth consecutive league title.
Spurs fans are eager for silverware, and a win here would push them into the League Cup quarter-finals. Ange Postecoglou’s squad staged a late comeback to defeat Coventry in the third round, while City narrowly overcame Watford.
Brighton vs Liverpool
Brighton welcomes Carabao Cup holders Liverpool to the AMEX Stadium tonight for their fourth-round clash. Fabian Hurzeler’s squad secured their spot in the last 16 with a narrow 3-2 victory over Wolves last month, while Liverpool advanced by thrashing West Ham 5-1 at Anfield, with Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo both scoring twice.
This match marks the first of two encounters between the teams this week, as Brighton will travel to Liverpool for a Premier League showdown over the weekend. Hurzeler will be without Georginio Rutter, who is cup-tied after appearing for Leeds United earlier in the competition. Jack Hinshelwood has recovered from a minor muscle issue, while Yankuba Minteh faces a late fitness test to assess his availability.
Preston North End vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s midweek EFL Cup encounter with Preston North End at Deepdale provides a refreshing break from their Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Led by Mikel Arteta, the Gunners are eager to make an impact in a tournament they last claimed in 1993. After a convincing 5-1 win over Bolton in the previous round, Arsenal aims to keep their cup run alive against Championship side Preston.
Preston North End have proven to be a formidable force in the tournament, with their thrilling penalty shootout win over Fulham in the previous round underscoring their resilience against top-tier teams. Now 16th in the Championship, Paul Heckingbottom’s squad remains unbeaten in five matches, including an exciting 3-3 draw with Plymouth.
Manchester United vs Leicester City
Manchester United are set to begin a new chapter under interim coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy as they take on Leicester City in the EFL Cup Round of 16 tonight. Following the dismissal of Erik Ten Hag, the club is without a permanent manager, with Dutch legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy stepping in. He’ll be eager to launch his managerial tenure with a victory.
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Leicester City, however, has consistently been a challenging opponent, with players like Jamie Vardy and Facundo Buonanotte posing a serious threat in the attacking third.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Villa’s form has been outstanding in Europe, with notable victories over strong opponents like Bayern Munich, helping them top their Champions League group. However, a recent 1-1 home draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League slightly disrupted their strong run.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea
Three days after their clash at Stamford Bridge, Newcastle United and Chelsea will face off again at St James’ Park, looking for a spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals. The Magpies are looking to gain momentum following a concerning start to the season, while the Blues aim to maintain the same.
Having last lifted a major trophy in 1955, Saudi-backed Newcastle sees the EFL Cup as a prime opportunity to break their long-standing silverware drought. Despite reaching the finals in the 1975-76 and 2022-23 seasons, the hosts have yet to secure a victory in this competition.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
