Arsenal will face Crystal Palace in the standout tie of the League Cup quarter-finals, following Wednesday night’s draw that set up some intriguing match-ups.
Mikel Arteta’s side booked their place in the last eight with a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium, extending their superb run to eight consecutive wins in all competitions.
Arsenal are the first English top-flight team in history to play six games in a month and win them all without conceding a single goal.
The Gunners, seeking their first League Cup triumph since 1993, will now welcome a Palace team that stunned Liverpool.
The Eagles made light work of the Reds again this season following the Community Shield and Premier League victories.
Palace claimed a resounding 3-0 win that condemned Liverpool to their sixth loss in seven outings.
Elsewhere, holders Newcastle United will host Fulham at St James’ Park after comfortably dispatching Tottenham Hotspur 2-0.
Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade were on target for Eddie Howe’s men, who lifted their first domestic trophy in nearly 70 years by winning last season’s final against Liverpool.
Manchester City, fresh off a 3-1 win at Swansea City, will play Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side survived a scare to keep their hopes alive of reclaiming the trophy they won for four consecutive years between 2018 and 2021.
However, they must be wary as Brentford arrive full of confidence after thrashing Grimsby Town 5-0 in mid-week.
Championship side Cardiff City are the competition’s only non-Premier League survivors and will relish a home clash against Chelsea.
The Bluebirds defeated Wrexham in the previous round and will look to spring another surprise against a Chelsea side that narrowly progressed against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The quarter-final fixtures are scheduled for the week commencing December 15.
EFL Cup Quarter-Final Draw
- Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
- Cardiff City vs Chelsea
- Manchester City vs Brentford
- Newcastle United vs Fulham
