League Cup Quarter-Finals: Arsenal Host Crystal Palace, Cardiff City to Face Chelsea

The stage is set for an exciting League Cup quarter-final lineup, featuring intriguing matchups and historic opportunities for several clubs. Premier League leaders Arsenal will host Crystal Palace in an all-London clash, while Cardiff City, the only non-Premier League side remaining, will take on Chelsea at home in the Welsh capital.

Arsenal, who have been in exceptional form across all competitions, extended their winning streak to eight games with a clinical display against Liverpool in the fourth round. Goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka sealed their victory, bringing the Gunners a step closer to ending their 32-year wait for the League Cup trophy. The night also saw 15-year-old Max Dowman make history as the youngest player ever to start a competitive match for Arsenal, highlighting the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

Meanwhile, Manchester City survived a scare in Wales after Swansea City took an early lead through Goncalo Franco’s stunning long-range strike. City responded strongly, with Jeremy Doku equalizing via a deflected shot and Omar Marmoush scoring his first goal for the club to complete a 2–1 comeback victory. The result sets up a quarter-final clash between Manchester City and Brentford, another all-Premier League contest.

Defending champions Newcastle United also advanced comfortably with a 2–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park. Manager Eddie Howe’s rotated side dominated the match despite making eight changes, keeping alive their dream of back-to-back EFL Cup triumphs. Newcastle, who ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought with last season’s title win, will now host Fulham, one of four teams yet to lift the competition.

On the other hand, Chelsea continued their resurgence with a thrilling 3–2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite finishing the game with ten men after Liam Delap’s red card, the Blues held firm to secure a place in the last eight. Their quarter-final tie against Cardiff City promises to be a fascinating battle, with the underdogs from League One eyeing another upset.

The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw ensures a mix of Premier League heavyweights and ambitious challengers:

• Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

• Cardiff City vs Chelsea

• Manchester City vs Brentford

• Newcastle United vs Fulham

With Arsenal seeking their first League Cup title since 1993, Chelsea rebuilding under new leadership, and Newcastle targeting consecutive championships, this year’s competition is shaping up to deliver another memorable finale.