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Carabao Cup Semi-Finals: Draw, Dates and What to Expect

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 6:22 GMT by Sporting News

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Carabao Cup Semi‑Finals: When, Where and What to Expect

The 2023‑24 edition of England’s primary domestic cup competition – the EFL Cup, officially known for sponsorship reasons as the Carabao Cup – is now heading into its decisive final stages. With the quarter‑finals already wrapped up, the spotlight has shifted to the semi‑final draw, the dates and times of the fixtures, and the path the four clubs will have to take to reach the final at Wembley.

The Draw: How the Pairings Will Be Decided

The draw that will decide the two semi‑final match‑ups is set to take place on 6 November 2023. The EFL has scheduled the event for 2:30 p.m. UK time, a time that is easily broadcast on both BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Sports’ coverage package. While the draw is technically a “closed” one – meaning that the fixtures are completely random – the EFL has taken measures to ensure fairness: the four clubs that emerged from the quarter‑finals (Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Liverpool) will be placed in a pot, and two teams will be drawn against each other in a simple pairing.

The draw is expected to be conducted live, with commentary from former players and current pundits. In past seasons, the EFL has included personalities such as Steven Gerrard and David Seaman in the commentary booth, offering fans insider perspectives on the proceedings. Fans can follow the draw in real‑time on the EFL’s official website or through the “EFL Cup” app, both of which provide instant updates on the pairing outcomes.

The Match Dates and Times

Once the semi‑final pairings are known, the fixtures will be played on two separate dates:

The fixtures are scheduled for the same time on both evenings to keep broadcast windows consistent. All games will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and televised on BBC One, with highlights and post‑match analysis available on BBC Sport and Sky Sports. The EFL has also committed to a “match‑day” live feed on its official channel, featuring half‑time updates and post‑match interviews.

The matches will take place at the home ground of the club that won the quarter‑final, giving each team a modest home‑ground advantage. Chelsea’s quarter‑final win at Stamford Bridge means that if they reach the semi‑final, they will host their opponent. Tottenham Hotspur will have the same privilege at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while Manchester City will play at the Etihad Stadium and Liverpool at Anfield.

Why the Semi‑Finals Matter

The Carabao Cup is more than just a knockout competition – it’s a chance for clubs to secure silverware and to qualify for the UEFA Europa League (although in recent seasons the top‑four Premier League clubs that have already qualified for the Champions League or Europa League through league position have made the Cup less lucrative). In the current season, the winner will earn a place in the 2024‑25 UEFA Europa Conference League, offering a European route that would not otherwise be available to many clubs.

For the four clubs involved, the semi‑finals carry additional significance. Both Manchester City and Liverpool are top‑flight Premier League teams that have a long history of Carabao Cup success. City has won the trophy twice (2008, 2011), while Liverpool’s last triumph came in 2012. Chelsea and Tottenham have also been regular finalists in recent years, with Chelsea winning the Cup in 2018 and Tottenham reaching the final in 2021. The semi‑finals thus present an opportunity for each club to extend its trophy cabinet while also providing fans with high‑profile clashes that may set the tone for the remainder of the season.

A Look Ahead: The Final at Wembley

The semi‑finals feed directly into the final, which is scheduled for 26 February 2024 at Wembley Stadium. The EFL has confirmed that the final will be played as a single match, with extra‑time and penalties used to determine the winner if the score is level after 90 minutes. The final will be streamed on BBC iPlayer, with live commentary and pre‑match coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live.

In terms of broadcast rights, the EFL has maintained an arrangement with Sky Sports that allows the final to be shown on their premium channel, ensuring that fans who prefer subscription television will have access to the match. The EFL has also announced that it will offer a “match‑day” streaming package that includes behind‑the‑scenes footage and exclusive interviews with players and managers.

Final Thoughts

As the Carabao Cup progresses towards its climax, the semi‑final draw is a pivotal moment that will determine the final shape of the competition. Fans have the chance to see their clubs either home or away on two consecutive match‑days, and the broadcast packages ensure that every match will be available to supporters across the UK and beyond.

With the draw set for November, the semi‑finals set for January, and the final slated for February, the 2023‑24 Carabao Cup remains a marquee event in the English football calendar. Whether your club is in the mix or you’re simply watching the drama unfold, the next few weeks promise a mix of tactical battles, fan excitement and the potential for historic moments that could be remembered for years to come.