EFL/Carabao Cup 2022-23 season

[James]

Into the <b>2nd round</b> with this one now.

Lots of fixtures going on tonight and tomorrow.

———

North section:

Sheffield Wednesday vs Rochdale
Shrewsbury Town vs Burnley
Barrow vs Lincoln City
Bolton vs Aston Villa
Bradford City vs Blackburn Rovers
Derby vs West Brom
Fleetwood Town vs Everton
Grimsby vs Nottingham Forest
Rotherham United vs Morecambe
Wolves vs Preston
Stockport County vs Leicester
Leeds United vs Barnsley
Tranmere vs Newcastle United


South section:

Cambridge Utd vs Southampton
Colchester vs Brentford
Crawley Town vs Fulham
Gillingham vs Exeter City
Newport County vs Portsmouth
Norwich vs Bournemouth
Oxford United vs Crystal Palace
Stevenage vs Peterborough
Walsall vs Charlton
Watford vs MK Dons
Forest Green Rovers vs Brighton
Wycombe vs Bristol City

 

[James]

Crawley eliminate Premier League Fulham
Crawley 2-0 Fulham
Goals from Tom Nichols and James Balagazi give Crawley a huge win over Fulham.

Eighty-three places separate the two sides, but what a night for the League Two underdogs.

Fulham humiliated and out.

 

[James]

<b>League Two strugglers Crawley Town knocked Premier League newcomers Fulham out of the Carabao Cup on an "unbelievable" night at their Broadfield Stadium.</b>

Goals from Tom Nichols and Liverpool loanee James Balagizi gave the hosts a famous 2-0 victory, with the full-time whistle prompting a pitch invasion by their jubilant supporters.

Crawley sit 23rd in League Two - 84 league positions below their opponents - having lost four of their opening five league matches this season.

"What an evening," manager Kevin Betsy told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Little Crawley Town beating Premier League Fulham. Unbelievable.

"What we have done is phenomenal. We had a plan of how we wanted to play and that will be our blueprint going forward.

"This club will go from strength to strength."

Fulham - last season's Championship winners - came into the second-round game in good form having beaten London rivals Brentford 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday.

Manager Marco Silva made 10 changes - with only 19-year-old Jay Stansfield retaining his place in the starting line-up - and that decision which was punished by motivated opposition.

Crawley, who beat Bristol Rovers 1-0 in the first round, made the perfect start as Nichols slotted into the bottom corner after 16 minutes.

Nichols then turned provider for England Under-19 international Balagizi, who darted into the area and fired past Marek Rodak, allowing the home crowd to begin dreaming of an upset.

And despite having 67% of possession, Fulham's first shot on target did not arrive until the 92nd minute as the top-flight side exited the competition.

"Congratulations to them," said Silva. "From the first minute they wanted it more than us.

"In these types of games you have to equal the enthusiasm and the intensity of the opponent.

"I am responsible for the changes. I took the decisions I took. They were the best options for the game. Some gave their maximum but it was not enough."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62558160

 

[James]

<b>Leicester City goalkeeper Daniel Iversen saved three penalties on his debut for the Premier League club to earn the Foxes a Carabao Cup shootout win against League Two Stockport.</b>

Iversen was the hero as the Foxes prevailed 3-1 in a chaotic shootout, in which James Maddison and Ayoze Perez missed for the Foxes.

The keeper also crucially denied Callum Camps in normal time, which ended 0-0.

Despite victory, Leicester are still yet to win in 90 minutes this season.

Danish goalkeeper Iversen, 25, had to wait six years to make his first-team bow for the Foxes, but ensured it would be one that would live long in the memory as a much-changed Leicester were pushed to the brink by a side 69 places below them in the English football pyramid.

Leicester controlled 78% possession and took 26 shots - of which eight were on target - with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall having a chance cleared off the line and Youri Tielemans shooting wide late on.

Harvey Barnes was the only Foxes player that started in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Southampton to maintain his place for the midweek cup tie with fourth-tier Stockport.

Leicester were still strong, however, with Tielemans and Kelechi Iheanacho starting after both came on as substitutes at the weekend, while Maddison dropped to the bench having scored the opener against Saints.

But again there was no sight of Wesley Fofana.

The 21-year-old centre-back was left out against Saints amid ongoing Chelsea interest which saw the Foxes turn down a third bid - believed to be between £60m and £70m - in the build-up to Tuesday's trip to Edgeley Park.

Last season's National League champions Stockport, who themselves made six changes, were put under immense first-half pressure, but possession did not translate into any meaningful chances for Brendan Rodgers' top-flight side.

It took a diving save from Iversen to stop the packed crowd of 10,301 at Edgeley Park from celebrating the Hatters' first home EFL Cup goal for 15 years, with an opener that would have been completely against the run of play.

And while Leicester pressed relentlessly for a winner in normal time, Stockport held on to take the game to penalties only for Iversen to foil them in the shootout before Dewsbury-Hall eventually sealed Leicester's place in the third round.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62558106

 

[James]

All of tonight’s EFL Cup results.

 

[MenInG]

League Two strugglers Crawley Town knocked Premier League newcomers Fulham out of the Carabao Cup on an "unbelievable" night at their Broadfield Stadium.

Goals from Tom Nichols and Liverpool loanee James Balagizi gave the hosts a famous victory, with the full-time whistle prompting a pitch invasion by their jubilant supporters.

Crawley sit 23rd in League Two - 84 league positions below their opponents - having lost four of their opening five league matches this season.

"What an evening," manager Kevin Betsy told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Little Crawley Town beating Premier League Fulham. Unbelievable.

"What we have done is phenomenal. We had a plan of how we wanted to play and that will be our blueprint going forward.

"This club will go from strength to strength."

Fulham - last season's Championship winners - came into the second-round game in good form having beaten London rivals Brentford 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday.

Manager Marco Silva made 10 changes - with only 19-year-old Jay Stansfield retaining his place in the starting line-up - and that decision was punished by motivated opposition.

 

[MenInG]

 

[Firebat]

 

[daytrader]

Carabao Cup draw: Man City v Chelsea in third round

Premier League champions Manchester City will take on last season's Carabao Cup runners-up Chelsea in the third round of the competition at Etihad Stadium.

That is one of seven all-Premier League ties, with others including Nottingham Forest v Tottenham and Manchester United against Aston Villa.

Holders Liverpool will host League One club Derby County, while League Two teams Newport County and Gillingham will travel to Leicester City and Brentford respectively.

Premier League leaders Arsenal will play Brighton, Wolves host Leeds, Newcastle take on Crystal Palace and Bournemouth face Everton.

The third-round ties will take place from 8-10 November.

Full draw:

Leicester v Newport County

West Ham v Blackburn

Wolves v Leeds

Nottingham Forest v Tottenham

Manchester United v Aston Villa

Bournemouth v Everton

Liverpool v Derby

Burnley v Crawley

Bristol City v Lincoln

Manchester City v Chelsea

Stevenage v Charlton

MK Dons v Morecambe

Newcastle v Crystal Palace

Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday

Arsenal v Brighton

Brentford v Gillingham


BBC

 

[James]

Lots of PL sides about to be knocked out in Round 3. A few results go a certain way and this could be a wide open field for the EFL Cup this year.

 

[Firebat]

Round 3 results so far:



Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised the "absolutely exceptional" Caoimhin Kelleher after last season's Carabao Cup hero set a club record as he saved three spot-kicks to spare the holders' blushes against League One Derby at Anfield.

Premier League leaders Arsenal were knocked out of the Carabao Cup as Brighton gained a shock 3-1 away victory.

Nick Pope proved the hero for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe's side beat fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout to reach the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by the Premier League's bottom-placed side Nottingham Forest.

Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez scored as Manchester City beat Premier League rivals Chelsea 2-0 to reach the Carabao Cup fourth round.

 

[Firebat]

Carabao Cup draw: Manchester City to host holders Liverpool

Eight-time winners Manchester City will host holders Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Gillingham, the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, face Wolves at Molineux in what will be Julen Lopetegui's first match in charge of the Premier League side.

Manchester United host Vincent Kompany's Burnley after beating Aston Villa 4-2 in the third round.

The matches will be played in the week commencing 19 December.

Reigning Premier League champions City, who have won the trophy six times in the last eight seasons, knocked Chelsea out with a comfortable victory on Wednesday while Liverpool beat Derby on penalties.

Eddie Howe's Newcastle will take on his former side Bournemouth in the second of two all-Premier League ties while Southampton and Brighton will face League One opponents Lincoln City and Charlton, respectively.

The matches will take plays just days after the World Cup final in Qatar, before the Premier League returns on Boxing Day.

Full draw:

Wolves v Gillingham

Southampton v Lincoln City

Blackburn Rovers v Nottingham Forest

Newcastle v Bournemouth

Manchester City v Liverpool

Manchester United v Burnley

MK Dons v Leicester

Charlton v Brighton

 

[PakLFC]

Mn City at home will be too strong for us. We need to play some first teamers to have a chance in this one.

 

[Firebat]

Today's scores:

 

[Firebat]

Today's scores:



Marcus Rashford wasted no time readjusting to club matters after his World Cup campaign with England as he scored a fine solo goal in Manchester United's EFL Cup win over Burnley at Old Trafford.

League One Charlton stunned top-flight Brighton on penalties after a goalless draw to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

An inspired performance from Brennan Johnson helped Nottingham Forest overcome Blackburn at Ewood Park to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

 

[Firebat]

Manchester City defeat holders Liverpool 3-2

Manchester City emerged victorious in a Carabao Cup thriller at Etihad Stadium as Nathan Ake's first goal since April eventually saw off the challenge of holders Liverpool.

City led three times and, on the first two occasions, they were pegged back. On the second occasion, it took Mohamed Salah only one minute to restore parity after Riyad Mahrez had cut inside off Rodri's brilliant crossfield pass and found the bottom corner.

But, just as he had done for Erling Haaland's opener - and 24th goal of the season - Kevin de Bruyne delivered a superb far-post cross after 58 minutes, which dropped just over Nat Phillips' head and perfectly for Ake, who nodded home.

City deserved their win, keeping Pep Guardiola on track for his fifth triumph in this competition, which would make him the most successful manager in its history.

The reigning Premier League champions will visit Southampton in the last eight during the week commencing 9 January, 2023.

However, Liverpool - for whom Fabio Carvalho had scored a first equaliser midway through the first half - had their chances, with Darwin Nunez three times shooting across the face of goal and wide of the far post when he was positioned to do much better.

Nunez did set up Salah for his goal when he completely outpaced Aymeric Laporte, but there was no third response from the visitors, whose defence of the trophy is at an end.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63981450

 

[Firebat]

Full quarter-final draw

Manchester United v Charlton Athletic

Southampton v Manchester City

Nottingham Forest v Wolves

Newcastle United v Leicester City

 

[Firebat]

Marcus Rashford scored two late goals to take his tally for the season to 15 and put Manchester United into the Carabao Cup semi-finals at the expense of League One Charlton at Old Trafford.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said "you couldn't script it" as Dan Burn's first goal for his boyhood club sent the Magpies on their way to the Carabao Cup semi-final with victory over Leicester.

 

[Firebat]

Southampton knocked out Carabao Cup favourites Manchester City to reach the semi-finals as Nathan Jones' side pulled off a remarkable 2-0 win to book a last-four clash with Newcastle.

Dean Henderson was the hero as Nottingham Forest advanced to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Wolves.

 

[Firebat]

Carabao Cup semi-final draw in full

Southampton vs Newcastle
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United

 

[Firebat]

Wow, big upset win for Southampton over City paves the way for a potential Man United - Newcastle final at Wembley.

 

[The_KING]

This is Man United's golden opportunity to end their trophy drought which stretches back to 2017. I hope we don't mess up this opportunity.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

This is Man United's golden opportunity to end their trophy drought which stretches back to 2017. I hope we don't mess up this opportunity.

Drought? You don't know what a drought is

 

[The_KING]

Drought? You don't know what a drought is

As a kid growing up with Sir Alex as our manager, I was spoilt. We won trophies every year. So the fact that we ain’t win one in six years, it feels like a massive drought.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

As a kid growing up with Sir Alex as our manager, I was spoilt. We won trophies every year. So the fact that we ain’t win one in six years, it feels like a massive drought.

I totally get from your position what it's like

Just saying that I can tell you what a drought really is, I'm almost 40 and I've literally never seen us win a trophy

And there's fans who are much older than me that haven't seen it either

Going to be tough but hope we can finally do it, just the 1 piece of silverware would make me content

 

[The_KING]

I totally get from your position what it's like

Just saying that I can tell you what a drought really is, I'm almost 40 and I've literally never seen us win a trophy

And there's fans who are much older than me that haven't seen it either

Going to be tough but hope we can finally do it, just the 1 piece of silverware would make me content

Don’t worry. With your owners and manager, you will win plenty of trophies. It is only a matter of time.

 

[MenInG]

Southampton v Newcastle (20:00 GMT)

Newcastle have not won a major domestic trophy since 1955

Southampton are struggling in the Premier League, but beat title-contenders Manchester City in the EFL Cup quarter-final

The winner over two legs will face either Nottingham Forest or Man Utd in the final

==

Newcastle's journey to this stage of the EFL Cup began with a narrow 2-1 win at Tranmere Rovers but from then on it has been Premier League opposition all the way.

They beat Crystal Palace on penalties, defeated Bournemouth 1-0 and then saw off Leicester 2-0 to reach the semi-finals.

==

Southampton kicked off their path to the semi-finals by beating Cambridge United 3-0 in round two. They then edged Sheffield Wednesday on penalties before beating Lincoln 2-1 to reach the last eight.

It was there they came up against Manchester City and pulled off a shock against Pep Guardiola's side, winning 2-0 to set up this Newcastle tie.

 

[Firebat]

Southampton 0-1 Newcastle: Joelinton strike gives Eddie Howe's side advantage in Carabao Cup semi-final

Newcastle took one step closer to their first domestic cup final since 1999 with an edgy 1-0 win over struggling Southampton, whose woes were compounded by the fact they had yet another goal chalked off by VAR and were reduced to 10 men late on.

Joelinton was guilty of spurning what looked to be the best chance of a cagey game when found by Miguel Almiron at the back post, firing aimlessly over the bar with the goal gaping (53), before then atoning for his earlier error by tapping home substitute Alexander Isak's cross (73).

Che Adams wasted Southampton's most presentable opportunity before the game's opener, coming off second best in a one-on-one with "outstanding" Nick Pope (65), before Adam Armstrong was then denied after fumbling the ball over the line, only for VAR to spot a handball in the build up - the second time in three days Saints have seen goals disallowed after VAR review.

"We've been the victim of four VAR calls against us [recently]," Nathan Jones said post-match.

Magpies goalkeeper Pope has made 10 appearances and faced 20 shots since last conceding a goal, which has led to Newcastle keeping more clean sheets in all competitions than any other side in Europe's big five leagues.

"Nick made some big saves today. Especially the one against [Che] Adams - it was a big moment in the match. He stood up tall for us like he has all season. I can't rate him highly enough," manager Eddie Howe regaled.

The two sides will meet again on January 31 to decide who will earn the prize of a Wembley final in late February against either Nottingham Forest or Manchester United.

https://www.skysports.com/football/soton-vs-newcastle/report/480671

 

[MenInG]

How they got to the semi-finals

Nottingham Forest v Manchester United (20:00 GMT)

Nottingham Forest

R2 3-0 v Grimsby H (Ryan Yates, Sam Surridge 2)
R3 2-0 v Tottenham H (Renan Lodi, Jesse Lingard)
R4 4-1 v Blackburn A (Brennan Johnson 2, Jesse Lingard, Taiwo Awoniyi)
QF 1-1 (4-3 on pens) v Wolves H (Willy Boly)


Manchester United

R3 4-2 v Aston Villa H (Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay)
R4 2-0 v Burnley H (Christian Eriksen, Marcus Rashford)
QF 3-0 v Charlton H (Antony, Marcus Rashford 2)

 

[MenInG]

Team news - Surridge starts for Forest; Casemiro back for Man Utd

Nottingham Forest v Manchester United (20:00 GMT)

Nottingham Forest make four changes from the side who drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the weekend.

Sam Surridge, who came off the bench to score the equaliser there, is rewarded with a start. Scott McKenna and January signings Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo also come in.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson is injured but he would also have been unavailable as he can't play against his parent club.

Nottingham Forest XI: Hennessey, Lodi, McKenna, Worrall, Aurier, Danilo, Freuler, Scarpa, Gibbs-White, Surridge, Johnson.

Subs: Smith, Cook, Boly, Williams, Mangala, Colback, Lingard, O'Brien, Dennis.

Casemiro is back from suspension and starts for Manchester United.

Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia also come in from the team who lost to Arsenal.

Wout Weghorst keeps his place up front.

Manchester United XI: De Gea, Malacia, Martinez, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Eriksen, Rashford, Fernandes, Antony, Weghorst.

Subs: Heaton, Varane, Williams, McTominay, Fred, Pellistri, Mainoo, Elanga, Garnacho.

 

[Firebat]

Man United beat Forest in EFL Cup semi-final first leg

Marcus Rashford's sensational scoring streak continued at the City Ground as Manchester United closed in on an EFL Cup final appearance at Wembley next month with a three-goal victory over Nottingham Forest.

Rashford's brilliant solo effort gave United the advantage six minutes into the first leg of the semi-final.

Wout Weghorst added a second just before the break with his first goal for the club and Bruno Fernandes wrapped up the scoring a minute from time to provide Erik ten Hag's men with a healthy advantage for the return at Old Trafford in seven days' time as United look to end a trophy drought stretching back to 2017.

Rashford's goal took his tally to 10 in as many games since he returned from the World Cup, underlining his status as one of England's form players at present.

It was his fifth goal in this competition alone, putting him at the head of the leading scorer's list.

Weghorst has every reason to be pleased with himself too as he reacted quickest after Wayne Hennessey had saved Antony's low shot and turned home the rebound, while substitutes Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Elanga were both involved as Fernandes drove a low shot past Wayne Hennessey.

Ten Hag punching the air in celebration underlined the significance of that third goal.

Steve Cooper's hosts were adventurous in their approach but they would appear to have little chance of emulating Brian Clough's side by reaching the final, which Forest have not done since 1992.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64313520

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle host Southampton for place in EFL Cup final

==

Newcastle v Southampton (20:00 GMT)

Newcastle haven't played since beating Southampton 1-0 at St Mary's a week ago and Eddie Howe has stuck with the same starting XI.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock, Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.

Subs: Darlow, Dummett, Lascelles, Saint-Maximin, Ritchie, Lewis, Isak, Murphy, Anderson. Defender James Bree makes his

==

Southampton defender James Bree makes his debut after signing from Bristol City, while Jan Bednarek also comes in as Nathan Jones makes four changes.

Former Newcastle frontman Adam Armstrong and Che Adams start in attack for the visitors.

Duje Caleta-Car, Mislav Orsic and Sekou Mara drop to the bench with Moussa Djenepo missing out through injury.

Southampton XI: Bazunu, Bree, Lyanco, Salisu, Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Diallo, Alcaraz, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong, Adams.

Subs: Caballero, Perraud, Caleta-Car, Lavia, Elyounoussi, Orsic, Aribo, Edozie, Mara.

 

[Saj]

Newcastle United reached their first cup final since 1999 by overcoming Southampton in the EFL Cup at an ecstatic St James' Park.

Eddie Howe's resurgent side will face either Manchester United or Nottingham Forest at Wembley as the Magpies attempt to win their first major trophy since the Inter Cities' Fairs Cup in 1969.

Newcastle, who last played in a Wembley showpiece when they were beaten by Manchester United in the 1999 FA Cup final, had a 1-0 advantage from this semi-final first leg, and Sean Longstaff settled any nerves among an expectant Toon Army with two early goals.

The only cloud over Newcastle's celebrations was a late red card for influential Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes for a challenge on Samuel Edozie, given by referee Paul Tierney after the intervention of VAR.

Longstaff took advantage of good work from Kieran Trippier to beat Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu after four minutes, then crowned a sweeping move with a confident finish in the 21st minute.

Che Adams gave Southampton hope with a fine 25-yard strike on the half-hour that ended Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope's attempt to keep an 11th clean sheet in succession, but their slow start cost them dearly to leave Howe and his players contemplating that Wembley date on 26 February.

 

[Firebat]

Carabao Cup semi-final: Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial return for Man United

Forwards Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial return to the Manchester United squad for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

England international Sancho, who has not played since October because of "physical and mental issues", resumed first-team training last week.

Martial suffered an injury against Manchester City on 14 January.

United beat Forest 3-0 at the City Ground in the first leg last week.

The hosts are without midfielder Christian Eriksen, who was ruled out until at least late April on Tuesday.

Scott McTominay - absent from Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round win over Reading with a "small problem" - again misses out.

Defenders Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot, both of whom did not feature against Reading, are doubtful.

United have not won a trophy since beating Ajax in the 2017 Europa League final.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64395351

 

[Saj]

Manchester United completed a Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest to set up a Wembley final with Newcastle United on 26 February.

United led 3-0 after last week's first leg at the City Ground.

Wout Weghorst nearly stretched their lead just before half-time but headed against the post from Casemiro's cross.

Substitute Anthony Martial scored from 10 yards out after 73 minutes, before Fred added a second from close range to secure a Wembley place.

United have not won a trophy since their Europa League success under Jose Mourinho in 2017 and have since lost in both the FA Cup final in 2018 and Europa League final in 2021.

 

[Firebat]

The Carabao Cup final is set!

Man United vs Newcastle at Wembley on 26 Feb.

Should be a cracking game. Hope you'll be there [MENTION=116]Geordie Ahmed[/MENTION]!

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

The Carabao Cup final is set!

Man United vs Newcastle at Wembley on 26 Feb.

Should be a cracking game. Hope you'll be there [MENTION=116]Geordie Ahmed[/MENTION]!

I was there yesterday for the semi final which was amazing

Getting a ticket for the final will be extremely difficult but will give it a try

Just want the final to be now, massive game for us. Literally never won anything in my lifetime so to be potentially just 90 mins (120 mins) away from it is so exciting and nerve-wracking

 

[Firebat]

I was there yesterday for the semi final which was amazing

Getting a ticket for the final will be extremely difficult but will give it a try

Just want the final to be now, massive game for us. Literally never won anything in my lifetime so to be potentially just 90 mins (120 mins) away from it is so exciting and nerve-wracking

Wow, that's fantastic. The atmosphere looked absolutely raucous on TV.

You guys have a fantastic chance I'd say, it's absolutely a 50/50 game, but I'd rather anyone win it over Man United. The noise in Wembley will be deafening.

Luckily, there are exactly 3 league games before the final so Guimaraes should be back. Will be a cracker.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Wow, that's fantastic. The atmosphere looked absolutely raucous on TV.

You guys have a fantastic chance I'd say, it's absolutely a 50/50 game, but I'd rather anyone win it over Man United. The noise in Wembley will be deafening.

Luckily, there are exactly 3 league games before the final so Guimaraes should be back. Will be a cracker.

Yeah, when Bruno got sent off I had to quickly work out we have 3 games before so should be there for the final (Charles better not pop his clogs and cause a league game to be postponed)

Bruno is our best player so if we are to have a chance then he needs to play

I do think you are ever so slight favourites. Simply for the fact you have a couple of world cup winners and multiple CL winners in your side, we don't have that.

 

[Firebat]

Yeah, when Bruno got sent off I had to quickly work out we have 3 games before so should be there for the final (Charles better not pop his clogs and cause a league game to be postponed)

Bruno is our best player so if we are to have a chance then he needs to play

I do think you are ever so slight favourites. Simply for the fact you have a couple of world cup winners and multiple CL winners in your side, we don't have that.

You guys have conceded 14 less goals than them and scored 1 more in the league this season. Sure they're in good form but nothing your defence can't handle, just take the game deep and anything can happen.

I'm an Arsenal fan BTW, not Man United lol. Want to see Willock lifting the cup

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

You guys have conceded 14 less goals than them and scored 1 more in the league this season. Sure they're in good form but nothing your defence can't handle, just take the game deep and anything can happen.

I'm an Arsenal fan BTW, not Man United lol. Want to see Willock lifting the cup

Ah my apologies for wrongly assuming

If it was a regular game without this magnitude then I agree we are more than a match for them, just think the importance of the game is what swings it for them

This is our first final in 24 years, that time we lost to Man-U

I'm confident regardless of the outcome of this match that our first bit of silverware isn't too far away but I would love for this set of players to get it. They've played a huge role in laying the foundation for what will hopefully be the start of some consistent success

 

[Firebat]

EFL Cup: Man Utd v Newcastle Utd Wembley final to have standing areas

Some supporters will be permitted to stand during the EFL Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle United.

The match, on 26 February, will be the first major domestic English men's final in almost 35 years in which standing will be allowed.

Both clubs will be allocated 867 seats within new standing areas located behind each goal at Wembley Stadium.

Premier League and EFL clubs have been allowed to introduce standing areas since the start of the 2022-23 season.

It came after five clubs - Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City - took part in a government-commissioned 'early adopters' pilot study during the second half of the 2021-22 campaign.

In standing areas, fans stand behind a barrier or a rail which helps prevent them from falling forward.

Designated standing areas had not been seen at Premier League grounds since the adoption of all-seater stadiums in the early 1990s - a recommendation of the Taylor Report following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 when 97 Liverpool fans died following a crush at an FA Cup semi-final.

Spectators at many grounds have continued to stand in seated areas, most commonly behind the goals, despite regular warnings from local authorities and police that it is dangerous.

Standing areas in stadiums are commonplace in Germany's Bundesliga and there are similar examples across the rest of Europe, the United States and Australia.

The EFL Cup final will be Manchester United's first domestic final appearance since 2018 and puts them a win away from ending their six-year wait for a trophy.

For Newcastle, it will mark their first cup final since 1999 and a chance to win their first trophy since Ujpest Dozsa were beaten in the 1969 Inter Cities' Fairs Cup Final.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64498736

 

[Saj]

Manchester United claimed their first trophy since 2017 with victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley.

Newcastle's own wait for silverware, stretching back to 1969, goes on after two goals inside six minutes in the first half established Manchester United's superiority and set them on their to the first success under manager Erik ten Hag.

Casemiro broke the deadlock after 33 minutes when he headed home Luke Shaw's free-kick and his side doubled their advantage after Sven Botman deflected Marcus Rashford's shot out of the reach of Newcastle's stand-in keeper Loris Karius, deputising for suspended Nick Pope.

Newcastle attempted to rally in the second half, but the goals have dried up at the wrong time for Eddie Howe's men.

It meant Manchester United were back in the honours after last tasting success six years ago when lifting the Europa League under Jose Mourinho, and also winning this competition in the same campaign.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Southampton's Championship clash against Preston has been called off due to a fire next to St Mary's.

On Wednesday afternoon, firefighters were seen battling a blaze inside a warehouse next to the Saints' ground - just hours before the scheduled 7:45pm kick-off.

Staff inside the ground at the time were told to go home, while the EFL monitored the situation.

A huge black plume of smoke was seen billowing in the sky in close proximity to where match day staff, players and fans were due to be and a decision was made to postpone the game.

The Saints' statement read: "Southampton Football Club regrets to announce that tonight’s Sky Bet Championship match against Preston North End has been postponed.

"The decision was made after consultation with the local authorities and emergency services after a major fire broke out in a building next to the St Mary’s Stadium site earlier today.

"The incident has caused significant disruption in the area with road closures around the stadium still in place as fire crews continue to deal with the situation.

"We are grateful for the cooperation of Preston and the EFL, and while we appreciate the disappointment fans may feel, we hope they will understand the need to put the safety of supporters and staff of both clubs first.

"The game will be postponed to a new date, which will be announced in due course, and all tickets for tonight’s match will be valid for the rearranged fixture."

Southampton vs Preston postponed after fire by St Mary's causes havoc

Southampton’s Championship clash against Preston has been called off due to a fire next to St Mary’s. On Wednesday afternoon, firefighters were seen battling a blaze inside a warehouse …

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