The two finalists for the Carabao Cup will be decided this week when Newcastle take on Arsenal and Liverpool meet Tottenham in the second leg of their respective semi-final clashes. Newcastle will host Arsenal on Wednesday evening and have a 2-0 advantage after goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon earned them victory in the first leg. Tottenham, meanwhile, beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg thanks to a late goal from Lucas Bergvall.

Both ties remain up in the air and there is every chance they will not be settled after 90 minutes. If that is the case, then they will go to extra-time and then potentially penalties. Extra-time was scrapped in all rounds up to and including the quarter-finals ahead of the 2018-19 season, but it is in use in the semis and final. The EFL, who organise the competition, said at the time: "The rationale put forward by the EFL is that withdrawing the additional 30 minutes of play would directly address any additional fatigue issues that are occasionally caused when the midweek ties go beyond the traditional 90-minute period.

"A statistical analysis was presented that demonstrated how almost 85 per cent of matches ended in normal time over a three-year period, without the additional period being required and as a result clubs have supported the new approach.". The away goals rule has also been scrapped, but VAR will be used in the semi-finals and the final. In-stadium VAR announcements are also being trialled for the first time, with the EFL hopeful it will "provide greater clarity and understanding around key decisions".

In a statement, they said: "Referees will announce (over the stadium public address system) the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor, or upon the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements. Only the final decision will be announced in the stadium. "In-stadium VAR announcements have already been successfully introduced in several FIFA events, including the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, and aim to provide greater clarity and understanding around key decisions to supporters in the stadiums and those watching from home.

"The new pilot forms part of PGMOL's broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of Match Officials and fans. This latest pilot has the support of the EFL and follows earlier collaboration with PGMOL in 2018 to trial VAR in EFL competitions ahead of its introduction in the Premier League.". Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.