Newcastle United have clinched their spot in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup following their decisive 3-1 victory over Brentford on December 18, 2023. They join Arsenal and Liverpool, who also advanced from the quarter-finals, and await to learn their opponents after the completion of the remaining matches.
After finishing their quarter-final matches, the focus quickly turns to the semi-final draw, which is scheduled for December 19, 2023, at approximately 10:30 PM GMT. The draw will occur immediately following the conclusion of the last quarter-final tie between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, ensuring excitement builds as fans wonder who their teams will face.
Fans wishing to follow along can watch the semi-final draw live on Sky Sports Football, with options for streaming available on the Sky Go app. Interestingly, the draw will also be available for free on Sky Sports Football's official YouTube channel, making it accessible to everyone.
The three teams already through to the semi-finals have demonstrated impressive form. Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 3-2, with Gabriel Jesus impressively securing his first hat-trick for the Gunners after facing his fair share of struggles this season. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his happiness, stating, "I'm so pleased for him. It’s been a long period for him without goals. To score the three types of goals and the many actions he was involved in, it’s great for the team." His sentiments reflect the excitement within the Arsenal camp as they push for more silverware.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continues their pursuit of back-to-back titles, having knocked out Southampton with a hard-fought 2-1 win. Manager Arne Slot, reflecting on the team's performance, stated, "We have to defend the trophy because the club won it last season… we want to compete for all trophies." The Reds, powered by their impressive squad depth, managed the game expertly even without key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Newcastle's victory was powered by Sandro Tonali, who scored two superb goals, demonstrating the talent Eddie Howe and the club have been patiently waiting to see. Howe praised Tonali’s performance, noting it was rewarding for the Italian midfielder who faced challenges since his arrival at St. James' Park. "It was a lovely moment, hearing and seeing the fans singing his name and for him to get to experience…" Howe added, emphasizing the bond developing between Tonali and the supporters.
The draw will reveal who Newcastle will face as they aim for their first major trophy since 2022 and seek to write history similar to past successes. They experienced heartbreak losing to Manchester United two years ago and are now determined to return to Wembley with this cup run.
The semi-final draw promises to be thrilling, with potential matchups stirring excitement among fans. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle have proven they can compete against the best, and the looming clash with either Spurs or Manchester United adds another layer of intrigue.
It’s worth noting the semi-final matches are scheduled to take place on January 8, 2024, for the first leg, with the return fixtures slotted for February 5, 2024. This scheduling allows the teams ample time to prepare and strategize after finding out their opponents.
With Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle's current momentum and impressive performances, fans of these clubs are likely envisioning possibilities beyond just progressing to the final, but also lifting the coveted trophy once again. How will Tottenham and Manchester United fare to complete the lineup? The stage is set for one of the most awaited draws of the season.
