Chelsea have discovered their route to Wembley after the [EFL Cup semi-final draw](https://www.efl.com/news/2025/december/17/carabao-cup-semi-final-draw-revealed/) paired the Blues with either Arsenal or Crystal Palace in the last four.
Enzo Maresca’s side will host the first leg at Stamford Bridge before heading on the road for the return fixture, with a place in the March final on the line.
The Blues booked their semi-final spot with an underwhelming 3–1 away victory over League One side Cardiff City.
That win followed earlier successes over Lincoln City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, completing a testing but productive run to the final four from the third round for Chelsea.
Attention now turns to North London, where Arsenal will host FA Cup holders Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium next week to determine Chelsea’s opponent.
Palace arrive with confidence after lifting the first major trophy in their history last summer, but they remain the only semi-finalist never to have won the League Cup.
On the other side of the draw, Manchester City will face reigning champions Newcastle United in a heavyweight semi-final clash.
Yesterday, [City progressed with a controlled 2–0 win over Brentford](https://footballtoday.com/2025/12/17/rayan-cherki-and-savinho-help-manchester-city-edge-past-brentford-into-efl-cup-semis/), while Newcastle edged Fulham 2–1 in dramatic fashion.
Yoane Wissa opened the scoring before Sasa Lukic equalised for Fulham, only for youngster Lewis Miley to strike a late winner and keep Newcastle’s hopes of retaining the trophy alive.
The Magpies will host the first leg of that tie.
The first legs of both semi-finals will be played in the week commencing January 12, with the return fixtures scheduled for the week beginning February 2.
The final will take place on Sunday, March 22.
Manchester City have lifted the EFL Cup a record eight times, and will be favourites to clinch it again.
However, the Magpies, one-time winners, are eager to make up for a domestic disappointment and will take the fight to Guardiola’s men.
Chelsea have lifted the League Cup five times, most recently in 2015. This is likely their best chance at silverware this season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal won it twice and will be eyeing the title again, but must first get past Oliver Glasner’s tricky Eagles.