The 2021/22 Carabao Cup has reached the quarter-finals stage, with just eight of the 92 teams that entered the competition still in with a chance of claiming the trophy.
We witnessed plenty of drama and excitement in Round Four. Carabao Cup holders Manchester City were defeated by West Ham United. City were bidding to become the competition’s most successful club, having lifted the trophy on eight occasions – a record they share with Liverpool.
Burnley, Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion and Leeds United were the other Premier League teams knocked out in Round Four.
The eight games played produced a total of 14 goals. In addition, there were four nail-biting penalty shootouts.
The Carabao Cup quarter-finals promise similar excitement as we reach the business end of the competition.
Carabao Cup quarter-finals fixtures
The action kicks off on December 21, with Arsenal hosting Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium. Lee Johnson’s Black Cats, who currently play in League One, are the only team outside of the Premier League remaining in this year’s Carabao Cup. They beat Queens Park Rangers on penalties in Round Four, whilst the Gunners recorded a 2-0 win over Leeds United.
There are then three games taking place on December 22. Brentford and Chelsea will contest a London derby at the Brentford Community Stadium. In the previous round, Thomas Frank’s side edged past a prickly Stoke City 2-1.
The Blues, meanwhile, squeezed beyond Southampton on penalties. Brentford’s three games in this season’s Carabao Cup have seen a total of 14 goals scored. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see that trend continue in the quarter-finals.
Liverpool also play as they host Leicester City. Jurgen Klopp’s men beat Championship outfit Preston North End 2-0 at Deepdale in Round Four. Divock Origi scored perhaps the goal of the competition so far with a superb ‘scorpion kick’ from close range. It showed the forward’s gift for improvisation.
The Foxes, meanwhile, played out a highly entertaining 2-2 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion before prevailing on penalties.
The final match of the quarter-finals sees another London derby as Tottenham Hotspur take on West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both sides claimed Premier League scalps in the previous round.
Spurs recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor. The Hammers, meanwhile, provided the result of the round with a superb penalty shootout victory over Carabao Cup holders Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side had won each of the last four iterations of the competition.
Make sure you head over to the EFL’s official website to find out more about match tickets, the history of the Carabao Cup and the Goal of the Round winners!
Also, make sure you follow the SPORF and EFL social media channels for preview, reaction, goals and more from the Carabao Cup!
Featured Image Credit:
This article is part of a paid partnership with the EFL.