Carabao Cup semis: City face Newcastle, Chelsea await Arsenal or Palace

The English Football League has released the draw for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, confirming Manchester City will face holders Newcastle United.

At the same time, Chelsea will await the outcome of the Arsenal-Crystal Palace quarter-final.

The draw, announced late Wednesday night on the EFL website, followed Manchester City’s 2–0 victory over Brentford and Newcastle’s stoppage-time win over Fulham, which sealed their places in the last four of the competition.

Chelsea earlier on Tuesday faced club legend, Frank Lampard’s side Cardiff City winning it late 3-1 away from home with a brace from Garnacho and Neto.

A late Wednesday night release on the EFL website titled, “Carabao Cup Semi-Final draw revealed,” has confirmed the semi-final fixtures of the competition.

According to the release, holders Newcastle United will face Manchester City, while Chelsea will play the winners of the quarter-final tie between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, scheduled for Tuesday, December 23.

Manchester City booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday, setting up a meeting with Newcastle, who progressed after defeating Fulham through a stoppage-time header by Lewis Miley.

Chelsea will learn their semi-final opponents following the Arsenal versus Crystal Palace encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

“The EFL said the first legs of the semi-final ties will be played in the week commencing January 12, 2026, while the second legs are scheduled for the week commencing February 2, 2026,” it read.