The Carabao Cup Quarter-Final is almost upon us!

Here are five things to look out for in this week’s ties…

Making history

For the first time in their 147-year history, Port Vale reached the Quarter-Final of the Carabao Cup after beating Mansfield Town in Round Four to book their place in the final eight. This week, the Valiants take on Middlesbrough on home soil in a tie which pits the only two remaining EFL sides in the competition against each other.

It’s been a memorable run to the Quarter-Final for Vale, who came from behind twice to beat Fleetwood Town in Round One, before beating Crewe Alexandra on penalties in Round Two and recording victory over Sutton United in Round Three.

For Michael Carrick’s side, this season marks two decades since Boro last lifted the trophy in 2004 and the Championship side will be looking to mark the occasion, but can Vale go that one step further?

Back again

The last time Chelsea and Newcastle United met in the League Cup, it was a result to remember for the Magpies, who came out on top in a seven-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge back in September 2010.

The West Londoners fashioned an early lead on home turf through Patrick van Aanholt before Newcastle flipped the score-line on its head, with goals from Nile Ranger and Ryan Taylor before the break. Magpies striker Shola Ameobi had the visitors 3-1 up in the second half before Nicolas Anelka grabbed a late equaliser, but Ameobi scored an even later injury-time winner to seal a 4-3 victory for United.

And last year’s Finalists will be looking to find a way past Chelsea again in the Quarter-Finals in what is shaping up to be another entertaining encounter.

Double digits 

No team has won the Carabao Cup more times than Liverpool, who are once again through to the Quarter-Final of the competition this year. The Merseysiders have lifted the trophy a total of nine times and Jurgen Klopp’s men are aiming to make it into double figures this season.

The Reds’ most recent triumph saw them overcome Chelsea on penalties in the 2022 Final under the arch, 10 years on from their last success. And Liverpool – a Club who dominated the competition 1980s, claiming a record four successive scalps – are now one game away from the Semi-Final.

They take on West Ham United on Wednesday night at Anfield, having already seen off Premier League opposition Bournemouth in Round Four and Leicester City in Round Three.

One step ahead

It had been almost two decades since Fulham last made it through to the final eight of the competition prior to the Cottagers beating Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town 3-1 in Round Four to progress. 

Back in the 2004/05 season, Chris Coleman’s side advanced to the Quarter-Final after seeing off Boston United in Round Two before overcoming league rivals Birmingham City in Round Three. Top-flight Fulham registered a 4-2 victory over Nottingham Forest in Round Four before being knocked out by Chelsea.

And Cottagers boss Marco Silva will be hoping to take the Premier League side to this season’s Semi-Final.

Making memories

The last time West Ham United secured their place in the Quarter-Final, it marked one of the biggest victories of the 2021/22 Carabao Cup as the Hammers shocked Manchester City in Round Four.

The two teams played out a goalless draw before West Ham prevailed on penalties, with the result ending Man City’s reign in the competition. The Sky Blues – the four-time consecutive champions at the time – hadn’t lost a game in 1,827 days prior to the London Stadium in October 2021. Although the Hammers lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the next round, it was a win to savour.

David Moyes’ men – who comfortably beat Arsenal 3-1 in Round Four – will take on another side in Liverpool who have dominated the competition in previous years to reach the Semi-Final this season.