Newcastle draw Southampton in semi-final of the Carabao Cup after favourites suffer shock exit

Newcastle United have been drawn to face Southampton in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup, handing Eddie Howe's Mags a huge chance of Wembley.

The Saints currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League, but pulled off a big shock in tonight's quarter-final by beating the favourites Man City 2-0.

The first leg - at St Mary's - will take place the week commencing January 23, while the second leg - at St James' Park - will be scheduled for the week commencing January 30. With City out and the second leg set to be under the lights on Tyneside, it really has been a near perfect 24 hours for Eddie Howe.

Elsewhere, Manchester United will face Nottingham Forest in the other semi-final, with the latter beating Wolves on penalties in tonight's other quarter-final.

The good news for Newcastle is that the next round of FA Cup fixtures will be played over January 28/29 - the weekend between the two legs - meaning we'll be given a welcome rest following Saturday's defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

As for Southampton, they will play over the weekend in between our semi-final tie, facing Blackpool at St Mary's after a win at Crystal Palace last weekend sent them through.