The Carabao Cup semi-finals first leg takes place this week with four Premier League sides eyeing for a spot in the final with Wembley Stadium over the horizon. Arsenal welcome Newcastle to the Emirates Stadium to kick things off while Liverpool travel to face Tottenham Hotspur the following day with the second legs taking place in a month's time.
For some of the sides, the pressure will be mounting to bring home some much needed success including the two north London clubs. Mikel Arteta has expressed his expectation of winning a trophy this season as the Gunners look to lift their first League Cup since 1993 while Spurs' Ange Postecoglou, who has gone on record to talk about his trophy-winning record, has one of only two chances of lifting a trophy this season.
Elsewhere, high-flying Liverpool will be looking to bring home a trophy under Arne Slot in the Dutchman's first season. The former Feyenoord boss has received plenty of plaudits for his impressive run so far since taking over from Jurgen Klopp but he knows that trophies will be the main talking point of any legacy he aims to leave behind.
Eddie Howe and his Newcastle side will no doubt have their final appearance from two seasons ago at the back of their minds as they look to better that moment but have a tough task ahead of them against the bookies favourite to lift the trophy. Shifting focus across North London, Mikel Arteta finds himself in a similar position, where securing a trophy this season could be crucial. The Spaniard made an immediate impact at Arsenal by clinching the FA Cup during his first year at the helm.
