Carabao Cup 2024-25: Comprehensive Guide
The competition includes 92 teams from across the English football pyramid: 20 from the Premier League and 24 each from the Championship, League One, and League Two. The tournament follows a knockout format, with ties decided by a single match, except for the semi-finals, which are played over two legs.
The Carabao Cup, also known as the League Cup, is a knockout tournament that features teams from the Premier League and the English Football League. This year's edition promises to deliver thrilling matches as clubs compete for silverware and European qualification.
Competition Overview
- Start Date: The tournament commenced the week of August 12, 2024.
- Format: The competition includes 92 teams from across the English football pyramid: 20 from the Premier League and 24 each from the Championship, League One, and League Two. The tournament follows a knockout format, with ties decided by a single match, except for the semi-finals, which are played over two legs.
Current Status and Upcoming Rounds
Quarter-Final Draw
The draw for the quarter-finals occurred on October 30, 2024. All teams remaining in the competition are from the Premier League, with the following fixtures scheduled for the week commencing December 16:
- Tottenham vs. Manchester United (Sky Sports+ / Paramount+)
- Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (Sky Sports+ / Paramount+)
- Newcastle United vs. Brentford (Sky Sports+ / Paramount+)
- Southampton vs. Liverpool (Sky Sports+ / Paramount+)
Fourth Round Results
The fourth round saw intense competition, highlighted by the following results:
- Southampton 3-2 Stoke City
- Brentford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Brentford won 5-4 on penalties)
- Brighton 2-3 Liverpool
- Aston Villa 1-2 Crystal Palace
- Manchester United 5-2 Leicester City
- Newcastle United 2-0 Chelsea
- Preston 0-3 Arsenal
- Tottenham 2-1 Manchester City
Third Round Highlights
Notable matches from the third round included:
- Manchester United 7-0 Barnsley
- Chelsea 5-0 Barrow
- Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
Television Coverage
The Carabao Cup enjoys extensive TV coverage, with matches available to watch on:
- Sky Sports in the UK, which will stream matches live and provide highlights.
- Paramount+ in the U.S., broadcasting Carabao Cup matches along with various fixtures from the EFL Championship and other leagues.
Final Details
- Date: March 16, 2025
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
- Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK) / Paramount+ (U.S.)
Key Dates for the 2024-25 Carabao Cup
| Round | Number of Games | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| First Round | 35 | August 13, 2024 |
| Second Round | 25 | Week commencing August 26, 2024 |
| Third Round | 16 | Week commencing September 16, 2024 |
| Fourth Round | 8 | Week commencing October 28, 2024 |
| Quarter-Finals | 4 | Week commencing December 16, 2024 |
| Semi-Finals | 4 (two legs) | Week commencing January 6, 2025 |
| Final | 1 | March 16, 2025 |
Last Season's Champion
In the previous season (2023-24), Liverpool triumphed over Chelsea, securing the title with a dramatic late goal from Virgil van Dijk in the 118th minute. This victory marked a significant achievement for manager Jurgen Klopp during his tenure at the club.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Carabao Cup as it progresses through the rounds!
