EFL Cup Quarterfinal Preview: London Derbies headlines clashes

Spurs vs West Ham (Wednesday, 20:45)

The other London derby taking place this round, a recently COVID-ravaged Spurs will entertain West Ham in North London.

It has been an up-and-down season for Tottenham, having been officially eliminated from the Europa Conference League due to a COVID outbreak, this very well could be the last chance for Antonio Conte’s charges to lift silverware and end their 13-year exile this season.

Since Conte took over from Nuno Espirito Santo, Spurs have not lost at home (excluding the previously mentioned ECL tie not played), so keeping their impressive home form will be key in maintaining their hopes of returning to Wembley and changing their fortunes from last season’s defeat in the final.

It has been another fantastic campaign for West Ham. Topping their Europa League group, the Irons are fifth in the Premier League nearly halfway through.

Despite only winning one in six and going through an injury plague, the Hammers have topped the last two teams to win this competition in their two matches, the latter one ending Manchester City’s four-year stranglehold in this tournament.

Having already successfully negotiated a match against Spurs this season, can West Ham keep pull off yet another surprise in the League Cup?

It is worth noting that along with the 100,000 pounds awarded to the champion, the EFL Cup winner will earn a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League at the playoff round.

Of course, should the aforementioned winner go on to lift the FA Cup, place in the top 5 (or 6) in the Premier League come season’s end, or win a UEFA club competition, the Conference League spot will be transferred to the sixth or seventh place Premier League side.

Tuesday and Wednesday night’s fixtures look promising for high drama, as eight will dwindle to four in the fight for the EFL Cup.