What we learned from the EFL Cup quarter-finals

We look at the key lessons from the midweek EFL Cup quarter-finals, ahead of the next Premier League matches.  

One-sided derby less likely

There was a chasm between the Manchester rivals when they last met in October, with Man City going 6-1 up before their visitors hit two late consolation goals. But the landscape has since shifted.

City have not won two of their last four matches in all competitions, with those slip-ups coming against two sides who sit in the Premier League relegation zone.

After the 1-1 draw at home against Everton on New Year's Eve, City lost 2-0 at Southampton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.

Pep Guardiola introduced Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland in the second half but neither player could make an impact.

Haaland has now failed to score in his last two matches, for the first time this season.

It is looking like a good time to face the champions. However, on the three previous occasions when they have lost this season in all competitions, City have gone on to win their next match.

MUN

2-1

MCI

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In-form stars are on Man Utd’s side

By contrast, Man Utd head into the derby in red-hot form, having won their last eight matches in all competitions, their best run for four years.

At home, they have won their last nine, with the latest victory being Tuesday's 3-0 EFL Cup triumph over Charlton Athletic.

Their free-scoring form is highlighted by the fact they have scored three goals in four of their last five matches.

Marcus Rashford is leading the way, scoring in each of his last six outings. In the midweek cup tie, he only needed half an hour as a substitute to strike twice.

Having scored in his last eight home matches, he will relish the visit from Man City and back himself to end his five-match run without a goal against the Citizens in the Premier League. He has only had one shot on target across those derbies.

City must also watch out for Antony, who has hit form himself by scoring in his last two matches.

The Brazilian struck with a long-range curling strike in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium and, ominously for Guardiola's side, he scored a very similar goal against Charlton.

Jones is leading Saints revival

By his own admission, Southampton's new manager Nathan Jones has not enjoyed much of a honeymoon period.

After losing his first four Premier League matches, there has been a clear improvement in the last week.  

On Saturday, Saints won 2-1 at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup and on Wednesday they earned a hugely impressive 2-0 home win over Man City in the EFL Cup.

"We were aggressive, we were organised, we went after the game," said Jones. "It wasn't a smash and grab.

"I've had people calling me out. I've even had non-League managers calling me out saying I'm not good enough.

EVE

1-2

SOU

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"It's a proud moment for me. To be on the same level as him [Guardiola] is wonderful. It's what I've worked very, very hard over my 33-year career to do."

Jones will hope that such progress will be maintained in Saturday's crucial relegation duel at Everton.  

Newcastle go from strength to strength

Not content with pushing their way into the top four and possibly even competing for the title, Newcastle United are also eyeing some rare silverware.

Rejuvenated by Eddie Howe, the Magpies are targeting their first major domestic trophy since 1955, reaching their first cup semi-final since 2004/05.

Goals certainly are not a problem. Newcastle have had 12 different scorers in the Premier League, the most in the competition.

And on Tuesday, Dan Burn joined the list of players to find the net this season, scoring his first goal for his boyhood club in the 2-0 EFL Cup win over Leicester City.

Semi-finalists face busy schedules

While Man Utd are used to battling on a number of fronts, it is a rarer challenge for Newcastle, Southampton and Nottingham Forest in the second half of the season.

All four clubs have plenty to play for in the Premier League, but the two-legged EFL Cup semi-finals will test their fitness, the depth of their squads and their managers' views on rotation.

Furthermore, whoever qualify for the final on 26 February will have their Matchweek 25 fixtures postponed to a later date. 

Fixtures for semi-finalists