It wouldn't be a festive football calendar without some Carabao Cup quarter-final action.

Eight Premier League teams remain in the competition hoping to make it into the two-legged semi-finals in the new year. Many scoff at the supposed insignificance of this trophy, but those left behind are desperate for a hint of glory.

For Arne Slott and Ruben Amorim, Carabao Cup success can serve as a springboard for future conquests. At the same time, Mikel Arteta had reached the stage of his Arsenal project where silverware was expected to arrive as a by-product. Tottenham and Newcastle are big institutions bereft of successful ventures at Wembley BrentfordSouthampton and Crystal Palace, all aiming to fulfill the role of 'brave underdog'.

It should take a couple of days, and here's how 90 min predicts that four quarter-finals will be completed.

Most of the quarter-final games are played on Wednesday, with kick-off times staggered so we can catch a bit of each encounter.

Arsenal are first while downloading Crystal Palace at the Emirates just days before they travel to Selhurst Park in the Premier League. The Eagles rank among the most in-form teams in the division heading into their mini-series with the Gunners, and will be in high spirits after a 3-1 win in the M23 Derby on Sunday.

Arteta has worked wonders in north London, but fans expect the Spaniard to succeed. This is a 'process' that deserves a trophy, and that Carabao Cup is their best shot at silverware this season.

Liverpool they are no strangers to success in this competition and are the current holders after defeating Chelsea 1-0 in last year's memorable final. That triumph did not spark a glorious end to Jurgen Klopp's reign, as the Reds faltered down the stretch. However, they have been rejuvenated by the arrival of Sloto and look well positioned for another title.

The Reds face a manager without a manager Southampton after the club parted company with Russell Martin in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.

Between these devices, Newcastle welcome Brentford to Tyneside just ten days after succumbing to bees in West London. Thomas Frank's side have shone at home this season, but they have been one of the Premier League's most unproductive teams on their travels. St. James' Park is always a difficult place to visit under the lights.

Thursday's only game is arguably the highlight of the round robin.

Manchester Unitedfresh from a dramatic late win at the Etihad, travel to north London to face off Tottenhamwho also recorded an impressive score on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou remains a divisive figure among Lilywhite fans, and we should expect the mood to sour in N17 if Spurs stumble here. However, expect much of the angst to be directed at chairman Daniel Levy. It has been 16 years since Tottenham last lifted silverware.

There is certainly less pressure on Amor going into Thursday's match, given that the Portuguese coach's reign in Manchester has only just begun. Victory in his first Manchester derby means that there are already plenty of loans in the bank.

The Red Devils are six-time winners of the competition, with their most recent win coming in Erik ten Hag's debut season.

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