Carabao Cup Quarterfinals: Who Will Advance to the Final Four?

The quarterfinal round is when the excitement truly intensifies in the Carabao Cup. With a Wembley appearance and prestigious silverware within reach, it represents a chance too valuable to let slip away.

Three of the established 'Big Six' clubs have already been eliminated from the competition. Manchester United faced embarrassment against Grimsby Town, Liverpool were overwhelmed by Crystal Palace, and Tottenham Hotspur were defeated at St James' Park.

Three powerhouses still stand and will be considered title favorites, but several other Premier League contenders and one League One team are determined to cause upsets.

Here are Sports Illustrated's forecasts for this season's Carabao Cup quarterfinal encounters.

Cardiff City vs. Chelsea

Cardiff City possess a track record of exceeding expectations in the EFL Cup. The Welsh club were in the Championship when they fought their way to the 2011–12 final through a favorable fixture list, taking Liverpool to penalties in the final before experiencing disappointment.

Currently battling to climb out of League One, the Carabao Cup has provided no distraction for league leaders Cardiff. Swindon Town, Cheltenham, Burnley and Wrexham have all been eliminated on their path to the final eight, but Chelsea's upcoming visit presents an entirely different challenge.

Chelsea have struggled in cup fixtures against Lincoln City and Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home, but Enzo Maresca should field a reasonably strong lineup for the journey to Wales. If the Italian includes even several regular first-team players, they should overcome Cardiff comfortably.

The Bluebirds will hope to see a heavily rotated Chelsea squad on Tuesday, providing hope for an upset, but a comprehensive loss appears most probable.

Prediction: Cardiff 1–3 Chelsea

Manchester City vs. Brentford

Manchester City enter Wednesday's quarterfinal full of momentum, which spells danger for Brentford. Pep Guardiola's squad have secured victory in five consecutive fixtures and built on their 2–1 triumph over Real Madrid by cruising past Crystal Palace away from home last weekend.

Few clubs possess greater experience in the Carabao Cup's later rounds than City, who have captured the trophy four times under Guardiola. They dominated this tournament between 2018 and 2021, though they haven't progressed past the quarterfinals since then.

Nevertheless, after concluding last season empty-handed regarding major trophies, Guardiola will be eager to taste success again. Brentford face the challenging task of halting City's pursuit of a ninth competition victory.

The Bees possess attacking threats in Igor Thiago, Kevin Schade and Dango Ouattara that could trouble City, but their away form is concerning. They have suffered defeat in seven of eight Premier League road trips this season, though they have overcome Bournemouth and Grimsby away in cup competition.

Prediction: Man City 3–0 Brentford

Newcastle United vs. Fulham

For those who dismiss the Carabao Cup's importance, consider what it represented to Newcastle United last season. By defeating Liverpool in the tournament's final, the Magpies claimed their first major domestic trophy since 1955, with Tynesiders celebrating the rare achievement.

Newcastle's success was hardly shocking. They reached the final in 2022–23 before losing to Man Utd, and their appearance in this year's quarterfinal demonstrates their appetite for additional silverware.

Eddie Howe's team face 2023–24 semifinalists Fulham, whom they have already defeated at home in the Premier League this campaign. Bruno Guimarães's dramatic late goal secured a 2–1 victory in October.

A Harry Wilson-led Fulham will test Newcastle's resolve, with the Magpies still recovering from their derby defeat to Sunderland over the weekend, but the passionate St James' Park atmosphere should drive the hosts to victory on Wednesday.

Prediction: Newcastle 2–1 Fulham

Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace's involvement in the Europa Conference League means their quarterfinal against Arsenal will take place a week after the other final eight matches. Exhaustion within Oliver Glasner's roster will only complicate matters at the Emirates.

Palace have experienced two Wembley occasions in the past seven months, defeating Man City in the FA Cup final before overcoming Liverpool in the Community Shield, but they must navigate a difficult path to reach the Carabao Cup final.

The Eagles have already fallen to Arsenal this season, with the Gunners securing a 1–0 home victory in league play, and Mikel Arteta's side will be determined to capture the Carabao Cup and break their major trophy drought.

Excluding two Community Shield victories, Arsenal have only claimed the FA Cup under Arteta, with that success dating back to 2019–20. It has been a disappointing period since, but the Gunners appear genuine contenders this season and should secure their semifinal place despite Palace's ability to spring surprises.

Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Crystal Palace

Carabao Cup Quarterfinal Predictions