The high-stakes draw for the Carabao Cup semi-finals was conducted Wednesday evening, mapping out the final hurdles for the four remaining clubs. Chelsea will face the winner of the upcoming quarter-final between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, while defending champions Newcastle United are set to clash with Manchester City.

This draw sets the stage for what promises to be a dramatic January, forcing top-tier teams to juggle league ambitions with a direct shot at silverware. For Kenyan fans, who follow the Premier League with unmatched passion, these matchups offer compelling narratives, whether it's Chelsea's quest for a trophy under new management or Man City's relentless pursuit of dominance.

The Road to the Semis

The quarter-final stage was not short on drama. Manchester City secured their spot with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Brentford, with goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho ensuring their progression. Holders Newcastle United kept their title defense alive with a dramatic 2-1 win against Fulham at St. James' Park. A late, headed goal from Lewis Miley in stoppage time sent the home crowd into raptures and booked their place in the final four.

Chelsea also endured a tough test, overcoming a spirited Cardiff City side 3-1. After falling behind, the Premier League side rallied late with goals from Pedro Neto and a brace from Alejandro Garnacho to avoid an upset and advance.

What Lies Ahead

The semi-finals will be contested over two legs, adding another layer of tactical complexity for the managers. The first legs are scheduled for the week commencing January 12, 2026, with the decisive return fixtures set for the week of February 2, 2026.

• Chelsea v Arsenal or Crystal Palace
• Newcastle United v Manchester City

With a place in the Wembley final on the line, the pressure is immense. For a team like Newcastle, retaining the trophy would be a monumental achievement. For Chelsea and Manchester City, the Carabao Cup represents the first opportunity to add to their already glittering trophy cabinets this season.

As Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca noted after their quarter-final victory, reaching the latter stages of a cup competition is a significant achievement. "I am happy we are going to play another semi-final," he stated, acknowledging the tough fight his team endured to get there. The coming weeks will reveal which of these giants has the mettle to take the final step towards glory.