rewrite this title Carabao Cup semi-final first leg predictions

Four teams remain in the 2024/25 edition of the Carabao Cup, with the semi-final first legs being played this week.

A competition which so many are initially indifferent about suddenly takes on newfound importance when there’s a trip to Wembley on the immediate horizon. There are narratives in abundance heading into this season’s semi-finals.

Mikel Arteta’s project is deserving of a second piece of silverware, while Liverpool are proud holders who won’t want the Gunners to claim any psychological advantage in the Premier League title race. Their respective opponents, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, are desperate to end prolonged trophy droughts having finished runners-up since 2021.

The upcoming tussles may not decide the March finalists under the Wembley arch, but they will go a long way in shaping the dynamic of the ties with the second legs scheduled for early February.

Here’s how 90min thinks the first legs will play out.

Newcastle have won five straight in the Premier League and were the beneficiaries of Thomas Frank resting key Brentford starters for their quarter-final.

The Magpies have returned to a level recognisable from their 2022/23 campaign. They’re a nightmare to play against, and Arsenal must be prepared for a couple of slugfests with a place in the Carabao Cup final at stake. Newcastle are particularly desperate to add to their dusty trophy cabinet.

However, the Gunners will benefit from Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes’ suspensions. Eddie Howe has settled upon a preferred XI in recent weeks, and there’s bound to be some rotation on Tuesday night after the Magpies were forced to work incredibly hard for all three points at Tottenham on Saturday.

This all plays into Arsenal’s hands, but the hosts themselves are hamstrung by key injuries. Howe won’t have to worry about doubling or even trebling up on Bukayo Saka for either leg with the winger out for the long-haul. The Gunners are 13 games unbeaten in all competitions, but their inability to turn draws into wins looks set to hinder their title charge.

They’ve already faltered at St. James’ Park this season, and you feel that Arsenal will need to head into the second leg with the advantage to have the best possible chance of reaching the final.

Tottenham are on course to endure their worst Premier League season since 2008/09, but support remains relatively strong for manager Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs are bereft of defenders and without a win since trouncing Southampton before Christmas, with their recent barren run including a 6-3 thumping at the hands of their upcoming opponents.

Liverpool have manifested frailties amid their supreme campaign, and Wednesday’s hosts may benefit from Arne Slot rotating his starting XI heavily in N17. We surely won’t see the same side that won handsomely in north London on 22 December.

Ange’s Lilywhites have bypassed both Manchester clubs to reach this stage, and although they’re vastly outmatched on paper, their positive second half showing against Newcastle means there should at least be sparks of confidence littered around the dressing room ahead of Liverpool’s visit. The manager desperately needs a result.

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