The EFL have defended the ball used in Carabao Cup matches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta suggested it may have been a factor in defeat to the Newcastle.

The EFL have made a statement in defence of the Carabao Cup match ball after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it was “tricky”.

The English Football League (EFL) has defended the ball used in the League Cup after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it "flies differently" from those used in the Premier League. Arteta's comments came after his side's 2-0 defeat by Newcastle in the semi-final first leg on Tuesday,

Liverpool welcome Accrington Stanley to Anfield in Saturday's third round of the Emirates FA Cup. The Reds head into the game after a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg.

Liverpool hosts Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round on Saturday afternoon, but the match could be under threat due to sub-zero temperatures in the region