The weekend is over, and with it the Premier League, as several English clubs shift focus to the League Cup. Only eight teams remain in the competition, as it is in the quarter-final stage. Of those teams, only two are not top-tier sides: Newcastle and Leeds United.
From eight, only two of the top four teams in the Premier League remain – Liverpool and Arsenal. The Merseyside giants face Leeds, as they have been handed the luxury of playing the Championship side at their home ground of Anfield.
The Gunners, though, haven’t been handed an easy test. They will play at home – at the Emirates Stadium – but face the always tricky Southampton. In fact, the Saints eliminated Wenger’s boys from this exact same competition, in the very same stadium, in 2014/15.
Manchester United are another Premier League outfit still in the competition. Unfortunately, they face fellow top-tier side West Ham, who they were unable to overcome at home on Sunday in the league. The other last 8 fixture will see Hull City host the Magpies.
Here are the United States listings for the English League Cup quarter-final clashes
Nov.29: Hull City vs. Newcastle United at 11:45AM PT/2:45PM ET on beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A., fuboTV
Nov.29: Liverpool vs. Leeds at 11:45AM PT/2:45PM ET on fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A., beIN SPORTS USA
Nov.30: Arsenal vs. Southampton at 11:45AM PT/2:45PM ET on fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A.
Nov.30: Man United vs. West Ham at 12:00PM PT/3:00PM ET on fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A., beIN SPORTS USA
*Click on each fixture for more info, details, listings, etc.
Which team needs this trophy more?
The League Cup, though not the most prestigious title, is silverware that will shine in a club’s cabinet nonetheless. Except for Newcastle, who look destined to win the Championship and return to the Premier League, this cup could be the difference between silverware and a trophy-less season for the remaining seven clubs.
Liverpool are in the mix for the title, and are one of the league’s most in-form side. However, an injury to Philippe Coutinho could see the Brazilian ace spend a length spell on the sideline. Arsenal are only three points behind leaders Chelsea, but their inconsistency continues to get the better of them.
However, many would tip Manchester United as the club that are in dire need of winning this title. The Red Devils are far from hitting top form and are unlikely to challenge for the league this season – given a miracle doesn’t occur. Mourinho needs to deliver silverware this season, as ending up trophy-less after breaking the world-record transfer fee would make a mockery of him and the 20-time league champions.
Unfortunately, they will have to get past West Ham, and this is a task they will have to do without Paul Pogba. The Frenchman picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against none other than the Hammers, and will be suspended for Wednesday’s game.
