The EFL has made changes to the Carabao Cup that allows teams to make as many as five substitutions starting with Tottenham’s game against Brentford tonight.
The competition had been following the normal three subs rule that applies in the Premier League.
But changes have now been made to the rules after the semi-finals were reduced to just one fixture instead of home and away games.
Teams will now be allowed to make five substitutions in three opportunities.
The games in the competition normally move to penalties if it remains a draw after 90 minutes, but that has also changed with the teams now going into extra time if it is a stalemate after normal time.
However, the teams will not be given an extra substitution to make in extra time if they have exhausted their five subs during normal time.
A league spokesman explained via Sun Sports: “The EFL has agreed to increase the number of substitutes permitted to be used in this season’s Carabao Cup semi-finals and final.
“Following consultation with the four clubs remaining in the competition, nine substitutes can now be named in the matchday squad.
“Five are permitted to take to the pitch during the 90 minutes and extra time if applicable.
“Each team is only permitted a maximum of three opportunities (excluding half-time, full-time and half-time of extra-time) to make substitutions during normal time.
“However, if a tie goes to extra time, an additional opportunity to use a substitute(s) will also be permitted but only from the five substitutes allowed.”
Spurs has one of the biggest squads in England this season and this rule change does clearly give them a slight advantage over their opponents in terms of quality in numbers.
