OUR Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City is currently scheduled for Wednesday, January 23 and tickets remain on sale. The EFL have released the following statement regarding the fixture.
The dates for Carabao Cup Semi-Final second legs will be confirmed following the conclusion of the FA Cup Round Four Draw on Monday 7 January.
Confirmed dates for the first leg ties were released earlier this week (details below) but finalising arrangements for the return legs is being held up by a complicated and congested fixture schedule.
The challenge comes as a result of Club involvement in multiple competitions, and the EFL is working closely with the Premier League and the Football Association to reach an acceptable solution for all parties.
The situation as it stands is as follows:
- Both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have games currently scheduled for Sunday 20 January, and therefore would wish to avoid playing their second legs on Tuesday 22 January.
- If either Club was asked to play on Thursday 24 January, then their potential involvement in the FA Cup Fourth Round needs to be considered the following weekend, as the FA cannot guarantee scheduling either side on Sunday 27 January if either Tottenham Hotspur or Chelsea draw Newcastle United or Manchester City.
- This is because Newcastle United play Manchester City in a Premier League live television game the following Tuesday 29 January which cannot move.
A decision will therefore be taken with the involvement of all parties when the options are clearer following the completion of the FA Cup Round Four Draw.
The second leg ties will be played during the week commencing 21 January.
Confirmed Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Legs
Tuesday 8 January Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea Kick-off 8.00pm
Wednesday 9 January Manchester City v Burton Albion Kick-off 7.45pm