The Carabao Cup semi-finals get underway this week, and Southampton, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest will all have Wembley Stadium in their sights, but first they must compete in the traditional two-legged semis.
Here is everything you need to know about the four semi-final ties.
Southampton v Newcastle United
Where?
First leg: St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Second leg: St James’ Park, Newcastle
When?
First leg: Tuesday 24 January, 8pm
Second leg: Tuesday 31 January, 8pm
How to watch?
Sky Sports Main Event will showcase both legs
We have an excellent semi-final contest in store with two teams experiencing very different seasons. Southampton are struggling in the Premier League table and in a tough fight for survival. They appear to be having an upturn in form by winning their last three of their last four matches in all competitions, which included their incredible 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the last round. They followed this up with a huge 2-1 triumph over Everton in the league before losing to Aston Villa 1-0 at the weekend.
It looks as though Nathan Jones is starting to get a tune out of his players and they look more than up for the challenge ahead of them in the Premier League. By outclassing City, they have shown themselves as real contenders for the trophy next month.
However, they will be coming up against one of the toughest opponents in England in the revitalised Newcastle, who are competing for Champions League football next year. Eddie Howe’s transformation of the Magpies over the past year has been incredible and he is just three matches away from securing the club's first domestic trophy since 1955.
Newcastle overcame Leicester City in the last round and if they were to lift the Carabao Cup this season it would be a giant stride in their rise to becoming one of the strongest teams in the country thanks to their wealthy ownership.
Sportsman stat: Newcastle are looking to reach their second League Cup final in history, having lost on their first appearance in 1976.
Betfred’s Carabao Cup outrights*: Southampton 7/1, Newcastle United 13/8
Nottingham Forest v Manchester United
Where?
First leg: City Ground, Nottingham
Second leg: Old Trafford, Manchester
When?
First leg: Wednesday 25 January, 8pm
Second leg: Wednesday 1 February, 8pm
How to watch?
Sky Sports Main Event will showcase both legs
Manchester United are on the hunt for their first piece of silverware in almost six years and what a start it would be for Erik ten Hag’s career at Old Trafford to end the rut in his first season. The Red Devils have come a long way since the Dutchman took over in the summer. The players look more organised and appear to be enjoying their football again as they are in a strong position to finish in the Premier League top four. To top it off with a trophy would be a huge marker for their future under Ten Hag. They recorded a routine victory over Charlton Athletic in the quarter-finals and they will fancy themselves against Forest, despite the fact that the Tricky Trees are starting to pick up results in the top-flight.
Steve Cooper’s brief this year was simple: keep Forest in the Premier League - anything else would be a bonus. The Welshman, despite the teething problems his team has faced upon their return to the top-flight, has done brilliantly to place his side in a position where they are in with a chance of lifting a major trophy this season. It is a trophy they have collected four times in their history, with the last time being 1990 under the late Brian Clough. Forest overcame Wolverhampton Wanderers in the quarter-finals after a feisty penalty shoot-out. They are arguably facing the toughest team left in the competition in United, but they will not be fazed.
Sportsman stat: Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is joint-top scorer in the competition with four, alongside Southampton's Che Adams
Betfred’s Carabao Cup outright markets*: Nottingham Forest 10/1, Manchester United 10/11
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
