EFL Cup semifinals: Which of Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool need to win the trophy most?
CBSN
Tottenham face Chelsea then it's Arsenal against Liverpool in the EFL Cup semis
The EFL Cup occupies a curious place in English football's firmament. The first trophy of the season and for some coaches the ideal way to get into the winning habit in the spring months yet there are few that would not argue that it sits below the FA Cup in the affection of clubs and supporters.
Ralf Rangnick is not alone in questioning whether a secondary cup competition even belongs on the schedule. However the Manchester United head coach's cross city counterpart Pep Guardiola might beg to differ. He has made the trophy his own in recent years, winning six of the last eight including its four most recent finals.
For City, it is often base camp for further silverware, but Guardiola's side were eliminated two rounds ago in this edition, and for this season's semifinalists, it may be the best hope of silverware the season offers. The Premier League trophy already appears bound for the Etihad Stadium while the two north London representatives in the semifinals do not currently have European football to look forward to in 2022. Whatever its status, a trophy is better than none but who needs it most?
