90min

Why are the Carabao Cup semi-finals still played over two legs?

By James Cormack

It's crunch time in the Carabao Cup with Man Utd destined to play Newcastle in the final
It's crunch time in the Carabao Cup with Man Utd destined to play Newcastle in the final / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages
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The four remaining teams in the 2022/23 Carabao Cup are just 90 minutes away from a Wembley final. Well, three sides are still very much in play ahead of the second legs.

Manchester United's 3-0 victory at the City Ground leaves them in an incredibly strong position ahead of the return fixture at Old Trafford. Barring a Nottingham Forest miracle, Erik ten Hag's side will face either Southampton or Newcastle in the competition's showpiece event.

The Magpies hold a slender advantage heading into the second leg at St. James' Park, and many will expect Eddie Howe's men to join United in the final.

Two-legged affairs typically favour the superior outfit, but they've been a part and parcel of the League Cup since its inception.

How long have the Carabao Cup semi-finals been played over two legs?

Unlike the FA Cup semi-finals, which are one-legged ties played on a neutral site, the League Cup - now called the Carabao Cup due to sponsorship - semi-finalists play each other home and away to determine who advances into the final. That has been the case since the competition began in 1960/61.

There are no away goals, so ties will go to extra time and penalties if necessary if the aggregate score is level after 180 minutes of action.

Are the Carabao Cup 2023 semi-finals at Wembley?

While the FA Cup semi-finals are held at Wembley, the Carabao Cup semis are not. As these games are played over two legs, the two teams play each other home and away.

Carabao Cup 2023 semi-final fixtures

  • Newcastle (1) vs (0) Southampton (31/01/23) - 20:00
  • Manchester United (3) vs (0) Nottingham Forest (01/02/23) - 20:00

When is the 2023 Carabao Cup final?

The 2023 Carabao Cup final is scheduled for Sunday 26 February with the kick-off time yet to be decided. Although, it's likely that the game will start at 16:30 (BST).

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