2025/26 Carabao Cup Semi-final Draw: Arsenal, Chelsea Potential Face-off

The 2025/26 Carabao Cup semi-final ties have been confirmed as five Premier League teams remain in contention to lift the trophy at Wembley early next year.

In what promises to be an entertaining affair, the draw pits Chelsea against the winner of Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, while last season’s winners Newcastle will take on Manchester City.

Chelsea booked their place in the final four after fending off a valiant comeback attempt at League One Cardiff City on Tuesday night. The Club World Cup champions took the lead in the Welsh capital, before the Bluebirds. who are full of confidence in the third tier, levelled proceedings.

However, hoped of a famous victory in front of their own supporters were dashed when Pedro Neto scored the winner.

Pedro Neto celebrates scoring his Chelsea’s second goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match against Cardiff City. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca’s Blues are now just two rounds away from winning their third trophy in less than 12 months.

Meanwhile, Manchester City who have won the tournament six times since the 2013/14 season booked their place in the semis with a 2-0 win over Brentford at The Etihad on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola will be looking to win this competition for the fifth time and will have to overcome holders Newcastle in a two-legged tie to return to Wembley yet again.

Lewis Miley (obscured) scores the winning goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Fulham. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle United ended their long trophy drought by winning last season’s edition of the Carabao Cup, beating Liverpool in memorable scenes. Eddie Howe’s side could ensure their next wait is just a year after knocking out Fulham with a stoppage-time winner.

Arsenal and Crystal Palace were both included in the draw. They were supposed to play this week, but were forced to reschedule due to Palace’s commitments in the Conference League.