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Ten-player Liverpool fight back to rescue point against Fulham
Sure, there is no panic in the Reds ranks at present, but you get the feeling a shock reverse on the south coast on Wednesday night against a team with nothing to lose under interim head coach Simon Rusk could have a destabilising effect on the title favourites.
Conversely, if the holders can progress to another semi-final - it would be their fifth in this competition since 2016 - it crucially just keeps the momentum - or 'Big Mo' as they say in the US - going for Arne Slot during a hectic period in his so far remarkable debut campaign at Anfield.
Rich Morgan
SouthamptonLiverpool
Could Reds win prove a springboard for Saints' top-flight survival?
Some Southampton fans may look at Wednesday's quarter-final with Liverpool as an unwelcome distraction as the club battle relegation from the Premier League, but a shock win against holders Liverpool at St Mary's could actually be a catalyst for an unlikely survival bid.
Sure, the Saints head into the tie on the back of a morale-sapping 5-0 home loss to Tottenham on Sunday that saw manager Russell Martin lose his job, with Simon Rusk taking temporary charge on the south coast.
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Highlights from the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham
However, Southampton did recently run the Reds close when they met in the league at St Mary's, with the visitors having to come from behind to win late on in a five-goal thriller, while they will also be taking on an injury-hit team who have failed to win either of their last two top-flight encounters.
And while Rusk may have precious little time before the midweek visit of Liverpool, the interim head coach will have a group of players determined to respond to Sunday's 5-0 thrashing.
"We need to be better. It's as simple as that," centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis told Premier League Productions:
"We have got boys in there willing toanything on the line. It sounds a bit deluded, but we have what it takes in this dressing room [to stay up]. We are not going to stop believing."
Rich Morgan
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WHAT A FINISH! Highlights from the astonishing Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United
Ruben Amorim has constantly reiterated the need for time and patience but like all fanbases, onlookers will start to grow restless in their desire to see their team lift silverware. It would be harsh to judge Amorim on his early trophy prospects having been named the United boss in November, however, it feels like a pressure that Amorim will want to embrace.
Erik ten Hag claimed the Carabao Cup at the first time of asking but was constantly questioned about the identity of his side, failing to instil a discernible style over his years at the club. Hoping to steer United into a new era, Amorim will perhaps be judged more on how quickly his team can adapt to his philosophy in the short to medium term rather than silverware but that doesn't mean the Carabao Cup presents an opportunity to begin his reign in the best way possible.
Jose Mourinho, a mentor for Amorim, also claimed the Carabao Cup in his first season at Old Trafford. A four-time winner of the competition, Mourinho recognised the importance of the first trophy win to set the tone for the season going forward. A win at Tottenham will give Amorim the chance to follow the tried and tested example of his predecessor.
William Bitibiri
Spurs must set up successful season with Man Utd win
Ange Postecoglou always wins silverware in his second season. How Tottenham fans would love that streak to continue and see their long wait for a trophy success finally come to an end this term.
The Europa League and FA Cup are possibilities but this opportunity, to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals with victory against a beatable Manchester United at home, cannot be passed up.
Tottenham HotspurManchester United
Spurs' thrashing of Southampton was timely, busting a five-game winless run. But a statement win at home - where they have gone four frustrating fixtures in a row without success - could shift the mood significantly back onto a more positive footing.
Of course, defeat could swing it the other way - and with Liverpool coming to town on Sunday, this is looking like it could be a defining week in terms of where Spurs' season is going.
Peter Smith
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