The Carabao Cup semi-finals are set up for some big matches early next year. One tie brings together two London clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal. The other has defending champions Newcastle United against Manchester City.
Arsenal made it through on December 23, 2025. They played Crystal Palace in the last quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium. The game ended 1-1 after normal time. It went to penalties. Arsenal won 8-7 in the shootout. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved the deciding kick from Maxence Lacroix. That late drama sent Arsenal into the semis.
Chelsea had already booked their spot. They beat Cardiff City 3-1 away in their quarter-final. Substitutes like Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench and scored twice. Manchester City won 2-0 at home to Brentford. Newcastle, who won the cup last season, got past Fulham 2-1 with a late goal.
The semi-finals are played over two legs. Chelsea will host the first leg against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. That match is set for the week starting January 12, 2026. The exact date and time come later, but it looks like midweek. The return leg at the Emirates Stadium is in the week beginning February 2, 2026.
In the other semi, Newcastle play at home first against Manchester City. Their first leg is also in mid-January. The second leg moves to the Etihad Stadium in early February.
These ties mean a lot for the clubs. Chelsea and Arsenal have a long rivalry. They are both chasing trophies this season. Arsenal want to go one better after losing in recent finals. Chelsea have been runners-up a few times lately too. The last time they won it was back in 2015.
Newcastle are trying to hold onto the trophy. They beat Liverpool in the 2025 final. Manchester City have won it eight times, including four in a row not long ago. Pep Guardiola’s side always looks strong.
The winners from these semis meet in the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 22, 2026. That date gives fans something to look forward to in spring. The cup winner gets a spot in European competition next season, unless they qualify another way.
All four teams are still in other cups and the Premier League race. January and February will be busy. Fixture congestion is common now with European games too. Managers will rotate players to keep everyone fresh.
Fans in London get two chances to see the Chelsea-Arsenal matchup. Tickets will go fast for both legs. Away supporters get their sections as usual.
This stage of the Carabao Cup often brings tight games. Penalties decided Arsenal’s quarter-final. More close calls could come in the semis. Away goals do not count as a tiebreaker anymore. If scores are level after two legs, it goes to extra time and possibly penalties.
The draw happened right after most quarter-finals finished. Arsenal’s delayed game against Palace meant everyone waited a bit longer to confirm the matchups.
For now, the focus shifts to league games over the holidays. But these semi-finals give extra motivation. A place at Wembley is up for grabs. Four big Premier League sides left. No surprises there.
