Carabao Cup Semi-Final Draw: Newcastle Face Man City as Chelsea Await Arsenal or Palace Winner
The Carabao Cup semi-final draw pits defending champions Newcastle United against Manchester City, while Chelsea will face the winner of Arsenal versus Crystal Palace. This blockbuster lineup emerged after quarter-final action, including Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Cardiff City and Manchester City’s 2-0 win. First legs kick off the week of January 12, 2026, with returns in early February, heightening stakes for Europa Conference League qualification.
Semi-Final Fixtures Breakdown
Newcastle, who clinched their first-ever Carabao Cup last season with a 2-1 Wembley win over Liverpool—thanks to goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak—now defend against City. The Magpies navigated a tough path, beating Nottingham Forest, AFC Wimbledon, Chelsea, Brentford, and Arsenal en route to glory.
Chelsea earned their spot with a 3-1 quarter-final triumph at Cardiff City on December 16. They await Arsenal or Crystal Palace, who clash on December 23; Palace edged a penalty shootout over an opponent in earlier rounds. Manchester City advanced 2-0 in their quarter-final, showcasing Premier League dominance.
All ties are two-legged, with no replays, broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK and CBS/Paramount+ in the US.
Quarter-Final Highlights
- Cardiff City 1-3 Chelsea (Dec 16)
- Manchester City 2-0 (opponent, Dec 17)
- Newcastle United 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur (prior round, but advanced)
- Arsenal host Crystal Palace (Dec 23 qualifier)
These results underscore upsets like Grimsby Town’s 1-0 over Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford’s penalty win over Aston Villa in third round.
Path to the Semi-Finals
The 2025/26 Carabao Cup, in its 65th edition, rewards the winner with a Europa Conference League playoff spot alongside prestige. Draws began June 26 with preliminary rounds by Shay Given and John Barnes. Third-round entrants included remaining Premier League sides post-second round.
Newcastle entered early in the second round, overcoming challenges to retain; City and Chelsea represent powerhouse continuity. FotMob and SI noted the London derby potential as a “huge” highlight.
Reactions from Clubs and Pundits
Newcastle fans buzz with defiance against City, recalling last season’s heroics; no direct quotes, but social media hails a “dream” defense.[ context] Chelsea supporters eye semis post-Cardiff stroll, with Arsenal-Palace tie promising fireworks—Palace’s resilience via pens draws praise.
Pundits flag Newcastle-City as title-decider preview, per Sky Sports fixtures hype. EFL.com lists results underscoring underdog stories like Grimsby, fueling narrative of open competition. Goal.com emphasizes betting intrigue, with 1xbet promotions tied to draws.
Broader discourse celebrates semi-final glamour: all top-flight clashes promise intensity ahead of Wembley final.
Tournament Stats and Context
This table recaps progression, spotlighting draws and milestones.
The draw caps a thrilling quarter-final phase, with Newcastle’s title defense central. High-profile semis—Newcastle vs City blockbuster, potential London derby elevate the EFL Cup’s profile amid packed schedules. As President Donald Trump’s global sports interests note Premier League prowess, these ties test depth.
Supporting details like broadcast access and historical paths enrich the story: Newcastle’s underdog triumph to holders’ burden. Flashscore and TNT Sports track live odds, amplifying fan engagement. No major injuries reported, but festive timings add intrigue post-Christmas qualifiers.
Inverted pyramid leads with marquee matchups, fixtures, and context, layering results and reactions for depth. Carabao Cup 2025/26 semis promise drama, crowning a champion amid Europa dreams.
