Christmas is coming early for cup lovers. The Carabao Cup quarter-finals promise drama, upsets, and the tantalising prospect of a Wembley final in February. Four ties, four stories, one trophy. Let the festive football feast begin.
Cardiff vs Chelsea – Tuesday, 21:00
The tournament's ultimate David vs Goliath clash. League One leaders Cardiff welcome the World Champions to South Wales for the biggest game at the Cardiff City Stadium in over a decade.
The Bluebirds are flying. Brian Barry-Murphy's side sit top of the third tier with six wins in seven, playing the kind of football that has made neutrals take notice. They've already claimed Premier League scalp – beating Burnley 2-1 – and dispatched local rivals Wrexham to reach their first quarter-final since the 2012 final.
Here's the stat that will have Chelsea worried: Cardiff are unbeaten in their last three League Cup meetings with the Blues, including a 2-1 win at Ninian Park in 1986 – their last home encounter in this competition.
Enzo Maresca's side ended a four-game winless run by beating Everton 2-0 on Saturday, but their away form remains concerning – just one win in five on the road. Chelsea have won their last five Carabao Cup quarter-finals, but expect rotation and a hostile Welsh atmosphere to test them.
One to watch: Estevao Willian. The 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid has lit up this competition and could start against the Championship's top scorers.
Manchester City vs Brentford – Wednesday, 20:30
The Etihad hosts what should be a comfortable home victory – on paper. But Brentford have made a habit of making life difficult for Pep Guardiola's side.
City are chasing a ninth League Cup trophy, which would leave them just one behind Liverpool's all-time record. They won four straight from 2018-2021 and remain the tournament's dominant force. A 3-1 comeback win at Swansea in the previous round showed their squad depth.
Brentford, however, arrive with nothing to lose. The Bees dismantled Grimsby 5-0, eliminated Aston Villa on penalties, and beat Bournemouth to reach this stage. They've lost their last two Carabao Cup quarter-finals, but Thomas Frank's side relish these occasions.
Guardiola has confirmed rotation, with Erling Haaland expected to be rested. That could open the door for the Bees, who lost 1-0 to City in October's Premier League meeting.
Key battle: Phil Foden has scored seven goals in eight games against Brentford. If he plays, expect fireworks.
Newcastle vs Fulham – Wednesday, 21:15
The holders return to action. Newcastle's drought-ending triumph over Liverpool in last season's final remains fresh in the memory at St James' Park, and Eddie Howe's side are determined to defend their crown.
But the timing could hardly be worse. The Magpies arrive wounded after Sunday's painful 1-0 derby defeat to Sunderland – a Nick Woltemade own goal the difference. Bruno Guimarães called the performance "unacceptable" and "embarrassing". A response is demanded.
The good news? Newcastle boast home advantage and have received a boost with Yoane Wissa choosing to stay for the cup run rather than depart for AFCON. Fulham, conversely, will be without Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop – all departing for the African tournament.
Marco Silva's side scraped past Wycombe on penalties in the previous round and will fancy their chances against a wounded Newcastle. The Cottagers beat Burnley 2-1 at the weekend to build momentum.
X-factor: Woltemade will be desperate to make amends. The £69m striker could lead the line against Fulham's depleted defence.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – Tuesday 23 December, 20:00
The delayed derby. While the other quarter-finals take place this week, this all-London clash has been pushed back to December 23 due to Palace's Conference League commitments.
It's a repeat of last season's quarter-final, when Gabriel Jesus netted a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 Arsenal victory at the Emirates. The Eagles will be out for revenge.
Palace produced the shock of the round by hammering Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield – a result that announced their cup credentials. Oliver Glasner's FA Cup winners are no longer underdogs; they're contenders.
Arsenal enter on an eight-game winning streak across all competitions after Ebere Eze's goal sank his former club in the Premier League just eight days ago. The Gunners last lifted this trophy in 1993 and Mikel Arteta will view it as a realistic path to silverware.
Plot twist: Eze scoring against Palace would add another layer to this London rivalry. The former Eagles star has already netted once against them this season.
The road ahead
The semi-final draw will take place following Newcastle vs Fulham on Wednesday night. With Cardiff the only non-Premier League side remaining, the prospect of a League One club at Wembley adds a romantic subplot to proceedings.
One thing is certain: these four ties will set the tone for an unforgettable run to the February final. The road to Wembley starts now.
