The unusual reason why Man Utd vs Newcastle and West Ham vs Arsenal cup games will clash live on Sky Sports

The unusual reason why Manchester United and Arsenal's Carabao Cup games will clash live on Sky Sports has been explained.

The Red Devils are preparing for a replay of last season's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, with Erik ten Hag dreaming of silverware in back-to-back campaigns.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be hoping to get past West Ham at the London Stadium to book their place in the semi-finals.

However, both games will kick off within 45 minutes of each other, with fans left having to choose between the fixtures on Sky Sports.

The EFL have since explained that the clash in timing is due to Manchester United and West Ham's busy Premier League fixture schedule, with the EFL keen to give both clubs appropriate recovery time between matches.

An EFL statement read: "As a result of both Manchester United and West Ham United being scheduled for Premier League action on Sunday 29 October and Saturday 4 November, their respective Carabao Cup Round Four will both take place on Wednesday 1 November to allow for the appropriate recovery and preparation time for the fixture.

"Due to a number of Premier League games taking place on Sunday 29 October, options for live selections on Tuesday 31 October were impacted, meaning both fixtures will be broadcast on the Wednesday, in staggered kick-offs."

Speaking ahead of the new campaign, Ten Hag expressed his concern at the growing schedule and the toll it will take on his squad.

“We had a World Cup in the middle of the season; we had a longer season; we had to play a longer season as well, with FA Cup, then Nations League games,” the Dutchman explained in September.

“A shorter break. Every time the schedule is expanding, the load on the players is too much. It's such a great overload. Many colleagues of mine have pointed to that, and I have pointed to that as well. But it keeps going. We keep expanding the schedule.

Ten Hag added: “Players can't deal any more with this overload and that's what you see in this squad at the moment.”

The winner between United and Newcastle will play either Bournemouth of Liverpool in the semi-final. While Arsenal will face either Chelsea or Blackburn if they defeat West Ham.

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Topics: Arsenal, Carabao Cup, Football, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sky Sports, West Ham United, Erik Ten Hag, EFL Cup

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno