The EFL Cup, also known as the Carabao Cup for sponsorship reasons, reaches its semifinal stage this week, with Newcastle and Manchester City kicking off their tie on Tuesday at St. James’ Park, Wembley looming on the horizon.
Guardiola unhappy with EFL Cup format
Ahead of the match, both managers voiced frustrations with aspects of the competition. City boss Pep Guardiola is not a fan of the two-legged format. The City manager said he would prefer the semifinals to be decided in a single match, like the earlier rounds, to avoid having to play a second leg, even though it would take place at the Etihad Stadium.
Why Antoine Semenyo is allowed to play for Man City
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe focused on the prospect of Antoine Semenyo taking the field for City. The winger, newly arrived at the Etihad, already appeared in an earlier stage of the Carabao Cup this season when Bournemouth lost to Brentford in August.
Under the old rules, that would have prevented him from playing for any other team in the tournament. However, the English Football League recently introduced a new regulation allowing players to represent two clubs in the Carabao Cup in the same season, as long as it is not in the same round.
Injuries shape semifinal lineups
Newcastle are looking to repeat last season’s success, when they lifted their first domestic trophy in 70 years. To do so, they must overcome City while managing a slew of injuries. Howe will need to rethink his starting XI for the first leg. Burn, Krafth, Schär, Lascelles, and Osula are all out, while Elanga remains a doubt.
City’s attack has been strengthened with Semenyo’s arrival, but Guardiola’s defensive woes continue. Stones, Gvardiol, and Dias are sidelined, leaving 20-year-old Alleyne likely to start his third consecutive match after making his debut against Brighton and scoring in the 10-1 rout of Exeter City on Saturday.
EFL Cup semifinal schedule
First legs
Tuesday, January 13
Newcastle United vs Manchester City, 3pm ET
Wednesday, January 14
Chelsea vs Arsenal, 3pm ET
Second legs
Tuesday, February 3
Arsenal vs Chelsea, 3pm ET
Wednesday, February 4
Manchester City vs Newcastle, 3pm ET
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