The draw for the League Cup semi finals has been made following the wrapping up of the fourth and final quarter final. The delayed meeting between Leeds and Chelsea was won comprehensively by the Premier League side and it means that three of the four semi final slots are held by Premier League clubs. Chelsea will be red hot favourites to get their hands on the first piece of silverware on offer for the season and that would be a massive boost for temporary boss Rafa Benitez. Chelsea are now gunning for their fifth League Cup title and they will face off against Swansea City in the semi finals. The Swans have progressed efficiently through the competition, knocking out Liverpool at Anfield before edging past Championship flyers Middlesbrough in the quarter finals. The first leg will be at Stamford Bridge on January 7th, 2013.
The second semi final will see League Two side Bradford take on Premier League strugglers Aston Villa. Bradford of course scored their famous victory over Arsenal in the quarter finals, with the Gunners scoring a late equaliser near the end of regulation and with things still at parity at the close of extra time, it was Bradford who won 3-2 on a penalty shoot out for a famous night at Valley Parade. Bradford will start at home in their semi final match against Villa. Paul Lambert’s Villa have been cutting loose in the League Cup, in total contrast of their Premier League form. The Midlands club thrashed the in form Norwich 4-1 at Carrow Road in the quarter finals, following a 3-2 away win over Swindon. The Villains also knocked out Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium 4-2 after extra time in the third round. The second legs of the League Cup semi finals will be played on January 21st, 2013.
2012/13 League Cup Winner Betting Odds at online bookmaker Ladbrokes
Chelsea 8/15, Aston Villa 5/2, Swansea 11/2, Bradford 28/1
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