Carling Cup quarter final line-up

This year’s Carling Cup quarter-finals feature some intriguing matches.

In an all-Premier League clash, Liverpool are set to visit Chelsea during the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

Meanwhile, in another matchup, Arsenal, who staged a comeback against Bolton in the last round, will host Manchester City.

Crystal Palace, representing the Championship, will be rewarded for their advancement with a match against Manchester United, while Cardiff, also from the second tier, will take on Blackburn Rovers at home.

The matches are scheduled to take place in the week starting 28 November.

Liverpool holds the record for the most wins in the competition, having claimed the trophy seven times, their most recent victory being in 2003 against Manchester United in the final.

Kenny Dalglish, however, is still seeking his first triumph in this competition, having been defeated 2-1 by Arsenal in the final back in 1987.

The last encounter between the Reds and Chelsea in this competition occurred in 2007, where the Blues won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Frank Lampard and Andrei Shevchenko.

Arsenal aims to surpass their performance from last season, when they fell 2-1 to Birmingham City in the final.

CARLING CUP QUARTER FINAL PREDICTIONS

The currently in-form team, Arsenal, appears eager and determined, while Manchester City, despite their current form, may struggle to maintain it. Even teams that clinch the Premiership do not win every match invariably.

As for Cardiff and Blackburn…well…to be honest…is it that significant?

Concerning Chelsea and Liverpool…yet again…I have to ask…who really cares? Chelsea plays structured football that lacks flair. Though skilled, it resembles Nick Faldo’s golf style: technically proficient but without flair. Seve Ballesteros, in contrast, embodied flair in the sport.

Manchester United needs to regain momentum, though Sir Alex Ferguson seems to prioritize the Champions League and the Premiership, risking a possible oversight here. Dougie Freedman has revitalized Crystal Palace since his appointment late last year to prevent relegation, and currently, they sit third in the Championship, potentially posing a threat to any Premiership side. Moreover, Dougie’s passion for Crystal Palace is undeniable; it’s as if he bleeds red and blue.

So there you have it—my quarter-final predictions…what’s that? …final predictions? …Alright, I won’t hedge here. It seems inevitable that the final will be a North London versus South London showdown…Arsenal against Crystal Palace…unless they encounter one another in the semi-finals.

Arsenal v Manchester City

Cardiff City v Blackburn Rovers

Chelsea v Liverpool

Manchester United v Crystal Palace

And just for reference…here’s a list of all the winners of the League Cup…now known as the Carling Cup:

FOR THE RECORD … ALL THE WINNERS OF THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP

by Terence Johns