The first major trophy of the 2022/23 English football season is almost upon us as we reach the final stages of the Carabao Cup.
Manchester United and Newcastle are the favorites to advance in their respective semifinals against Nottingham Forest and Southampton, respectively.
A Joelinton goal has Newcastle ahead against Saints following the first leg at St. Mary’s, while Man United travel to face Forest at the City Ground on Wednesday, January 25.
A trip to Wembley will soon be on the horizon for two sets of fans and here’s all you need to know about the upcoming EFL Cup semifinals.
MORE: Carabao Cup fixtures 2022/23 on the road to Wembley
Are the Carabao Cup 2023 semifinals two legs?
The semifinals of the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) take place over two legs, as has been the case since 1960, and this season will be no different.
There is no away goals tiebreaker rule in effect, meaning in the case the teams are level on aggregate goals after the two legs, the number of goals scored on the road is not taken into account to determine a winner. If the semifinal series is all square after both matches, extra time will be played with a penalty shootout used, if necessary.
The home team for each leg of the semifinals was determined by chance: The team drawn out of the hat first during the draw played the first leg of the semifinal at home, and the team drawn second will host the second leg at their ground.
Are the Carabao Cup 2023 semifinals at Wembley?
Unlike the FA Cup semifinals which are both played at Wembley before the showpiece final at the end of the season, the Carabao Cup semifinals do not take place at Wembley.
Because the semifinals are held over two legs, each team will play one leg at their home stadium.
Should the aggregate score be level after 120 minutes of action following the second leg, then 30 minutes of extra time will be played at the end of the second leg. Penalties will determine the finalist if the teams are still deadlocked after extra time.
Scoring in three consecutive #CarabaoCup matches? No problem for @MarcusRashford!#EFL | @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/rRZvhGPvDp
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) January 11, 2023
Which teams are in the Carabao Cup semifinals?
The Carabao Cup semifinal draw took place on Wednesday, January 11, following the last two quarterfinal ties. Here’s what came out of the hat.
- Southampton vs. Newcastle
- Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United
When are the Carabao Cup 2023 semifinals?
The first legs of the semifinals will take place on January 24-25, 2023 with the return games taking place a week later.
The 2022/23 Carabao Cup final will be played on Sunday, February 26 at Wembley Stadium.