The Carabao Cup returns on December 18th, but will the matches go straight to penalties or is there extra time after a draw?
The competition has been a staple in English football since 1960, with England’s elite teams winning the trophy on several occasions.
Last year, Liverpool clinched the trophy with a miraculous extra-time victory over Chelsea and the Reds will be looking to defend their title against Southampton in the quarter finals.
Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta hoping to add a much-needed trophy to his cabinet this season.
Another side who are in desperate need of a trophy is Newcastle, who were beaten in the final during 2022/23 – as he Magpies face Brentford.
The last quarter-final match-up takes place in north London, as Tottenham Hotspur welcome 2023 winners, Manchester United.
Spurs have not won a trophy since 2008, but their last piece of silverware did come in this competition and Postecoglou has claimed to win a trophy during his second season at a club.
Some of these encounters are very equally balanced on UK betting sites, meaning the chance of the score being level after 90 minutes is high – but what happens in the event of a draw?
Do Carabao Cup Matches Go Straight To Penalties?
Penalties are undoubtedly one of the most exciting aspects of any tournament, with the result being determined by just 12-yards.
However, the period of extra-time beforehand can also bring a huge level of drama – but it can also bring a dreary affair with both sides banking on a penalty shootout victory.
For the Carabao Cup, all matches before the final go straight to penalties and do not call for a replay or extra time.
However, the Carabao Cup semi finals will be played across two legs, which has been the case since its creation in 1960 and if the score is equal going after 180 minutes the match goes straight to penalties.
In previous years, the away goals rule has been implemented in Carabao Cup semi-finals, but this will not be the case this season.
As for the final, if the scoreline is level after 90 minutes then there will be another 30 minutes of football added – which gave Liverpool enough time to win the trophy last season.
