The Carabao Cup returns this week, with two midweek games being shown live on television. The competition, also known as the EFL Cup, sometimes gets a bad rap. Seen as inferior to the FA Cup, which has endured reputational struggles of its own, a lot of fans struggle to engage with the Carabao Cup. Two of our writers have even clashed over the merits of the tournament in the past.
While the round of 16 stage is still a little short of what we can legally refer to as “the business end” of the competition, Wembley is at least slightly visible over the horizon. Also, in a week with no European football, we all need something to watch, right?
So here is the lowdown on the two TV games in this energetic little competition, plus a full rundown of all this week’s EFL Cup fixtures.
West Ham United vs Arsenal
Wednesday 1st November, 7:30pm kick-off
Sky Sports Main Event
A club that recently got back into the silverware business against a team that enjoyed their best season in almost a decade last term. The Hammers and the Gunners will both fancy this.
The game has arrived with West Ham in poor form, but they won the Europa Conference League last season while enduring a poor league campaign. David Moyes’ men are also only ninth in the Premier League, hardly a disaster despite a dip in form.
In Arsenal they find a club in brilliant form, but one whose attention is likely to be elsewhere. Unbeaten in the Premier League and two points off top spot, Mikel Arteta may look to shuffle his deck here and prioritise chasing a first title since 2004. It is against this backdrop that West Ham could spring a shock as they look to get back on track following a 1-0 loss to Everton at the weekend.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United
Wednesday 1st November, 8:15pm kick-off
Sky Sports Football
A replay of last year’s final, this rematch finds the teams in vastly different circumstances. Manchester United won the three-handled trophy last February, beating Newcastle 2-0 with goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
Those two players are among numerous Red Devils stars who are underperforming this term. United have won seven and lost seven matches in all competitions. This past weekend, they were at their directionless worst as Manchester City walked over them 3-0 while barely leaving second gear. After a promising season that peaked with that Wembley win over the Magpies, Erik ten Hag is enduring a horrible second campaign in charge.
Newcastle meanwhile are enjoying another fine season so far. They are sixth in the table and have endured the loss of Sandro Tonali through a ban for betting infringements. But on the whole Eddie Howe’s men have done a good job of balancing Champions League commitments with domestic concerns. This competition may not rank as highly for them this season due to their continental fixtures, but last year’s Wembley defeat still smarts. This revenge mission could define what Newcastle do next.
Full EFL Cup Round of 16 Fixtures
Tuesday 31st October
Exeter City vs Middlesbrough (19:45)
Mansfield Town vs Port Vale (19:45)
Wednesday 1st November
West Ham United vs Arsenal (19:30)
AFC Bournemouth vs Liverpool (19:45)
Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers (19:45)
Everton vs Burnley (19:45)
Ipswich Town vs Fulham (19:45)
Manchester United vs Newcastle United (20:15)
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
