Carabao Cup set to implement CRUCIAL change in match format – Reports

The Carabao Cup is set to switch to single-leg semi-finals.

Carabao Cup set to implement CRUCIAL change in match format – Reports

Man United players lifting the Carabao Cup (Via X/@UnitedFan)

European football, and in particular, English football, has received severe backlash from teams as well as players for the congested calendars in place. The average top-flight club has to manage League games, League Cups, Domestic Cups, Champions League games as well as International games with a limited number of players at their disposal.

The EFL Cup, also known as the Carabao Cup, is set to make a revolutionary decision which will benefit both players and teams. 52 years after its inception, the League Cup is set to switch to one-legged semi-finals. EFL clubs have been informed of the proposed decision as well. However, the decision will be carried out only if the EFL receives a £900 million funding package signed off by Premier League clubs.

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Earlier, the EFL was unwilling to remove the two-leg format keeping in mind financial losses and reduced coverage.

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This deal also points to Premier League clubs deciding to deploy their first teams in the competition, unlike the previous trend of considering it as a development league. The League is also set to scrap FA Cup replays in the third and fourth rounds as well.

Manchester United set to take on Newcastle in replay of last year’s Final

Manchester United clinched the EFL Cup last season against Newcastle United. Goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford ensured that United ended their six-year goal drought. This season, Newcastle are out for revenge against the Red Devils and have the opportunity to do so on Thursday. The two clubs meet again in the Round of 16 of this year’s EFL Cup.

Bruno Guimarães and Kieran Trippier
Bruno Guimarães and Kieran Trippier (Via X/@CentreGoals)

However, United will be desperate to pick up a win after the embarrassing defeat against Manchester City. The Red Devils lost 3-0 to Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday. Midfielder Casemiro is a doubt for Thursday following an ankle injury, for which he missed the derby. Lisandro Martìnez and Luke Shaw will be missed as well. However, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Højlund and Antony are all available for selection.

As for Newcastle, Sandro Tonali‘s suspension will be a significant hit on Eddie Howe’s midfield. Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy and Elliot Anderson are also unavailable for the game against United. Erik ten Hag will also look to come home with all 3 points after pressure has started to mount on the Dutchman. Newcastle will be without 6 first-team players but will have to try to return with a positive result against the Red Devils.

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