EFL Cup 2026 Semi-Final Thriller: Latest Scores, Highlights & How to Watch Live

The 2025-26 EFL Cup, branded as the Carabao Cup, reaches its business end this week with two blockbuster semi-final second-legs that will decide who walks out at Wembley next month. Arsenal vs Chelsea – Tuesday 3 February, 8 pm GMT Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal carry a slender 3-2 aggregate lead into the return leg at the Emirates after a breathless first meeting at Stamford Bridge. Bukayo Saka’s late winner means the Gunners need only a draw to book their first League Cup final since 2020, but Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea travel across London believing their pace on the counter – led by Mykhailo Mudryk and Cole Palmer – can overturn the deficit. Expect tactical tweaks: Arteta may recall Declan Rice after resting him at the weekend, while Chelsea hope Reece James passes a late fitness test. Manchester City vs Newcastle United – Wednesday 4 February, 8 pm GMT Holders Newcastle have it all to do after falling 2-0 at St James’ Park. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, eyeing a record-breaking ninth League Cup crown, were ruthless in the first leg thanks to Phil Foden and Julián Álvarez. Eddie Howe’s Magpies must strike early at the Etihad to keep their treble dream alive; Alexander Isak is back from illness and could partner Anthony Gordon up front. City, meanwhile, welcome back Rodri from suspension, adding further steel to a side that has yet to concede in this season’s competition. Key storylines to watch • Can Arsenal end their 16-year wait for EFL Cup glory, or will Chelsea reach a fourth final in nine seasons? • Will Guardiola rotate with one eye on the Premier League summit, opening the door for a famous Newcastle comeback? • Which rising stars – City’s Oscar Bobb, Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist, Newcastle’s Lewis Miley – will seize the spotlight in a competition famed for blooding young talent? How to watch live Both ties will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK, with streaming available via NOW TV. International viewers should check local listings; ESPN+ carries the Carabao Cup in the United States. Road to Wembley Semi-final second-legs: w/c 2 February Final: Sunday 22 March, 4:30 pm GMT at Wembley Stadium. Why the EFL Cup matters in 2026 Beyond the silverware, the winners secure a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League, adding continental stakes to domestic bragging rights. For Arsenal, success would cement their resurgence under Arteta; for Chelsea and Newcastle, it offers an early trophy for ambitious ownerships. Manchester City, meanwhile, are chasing yet another piece of the unprecedented quadruple puzzle. SEO takeaway Fans searching for “EFL Cup semi-final 2026”, “Carabao Cup Arsenal vs Chelsea live”, or “Man City Newcastle League Cup second leg” should bookmark this page for confirmed kick-off times, broadcast details, injury updates, and real-time coverage as the final four collide in England’s oldest knockout league competition.