EFL Cup Predictions

Southampton

Southampton

Prediction:
2-0

Match Time & Date:

29 October 2024

19:45

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Stoke City

Stoke City

A spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals will be at stake when Southampton and Stoke City lock horns at St. Mary’s Stadium. The Saints are eager to put an end to their four-game losing run and they are likely to fight tooth and nail against Stoke. Both Joe Aribo and Adam Armstrong should be recalled to the starting XI, while both Will Smallbone and Ross Stewart remain in the r... Read More...

This match will be played on 29 October 2024 at 19:45

Newcastle

Newcastle

Prediction:
3-1

Match Time & Date:

1 October 2024

19:45

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AFC Wimbledon

AFC Wimbledon

Newcastle United will look to book their place in the EFL Cup last 16 when they welcome AFC Wimbledon to their St. James’ Park on Tuesday evening. The Magpies are brimming with confidence following a 1-1 draw with star-studded Man City and even though Eddi Howe is expected to mix the squad, anything but a routine home win would be a big surprise. All Livramento, Longstaff,... Read More...

This match will be played on 1 October 2024 at 19:45

Liverpool

Liverpool

Prediction:
3-1

Match Time & Date:

25 September 2024

20:00

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West Ham

West Ham

Buoyed by a 3-0 win over Bournemouth, Liverpool will look to give fans yet another reason to celebrate when they take on West Ham United in the EFL Cup last 32. Arne Slot wants to win everything this season, but the former Feyenoord boss is widely expected to mix the squad for the EFL Cup game. Summer signing Federico Chiesa is pushing for his first Liverpool start, with Cod... Read More...

This match will be played on 25 September 2024 at 20:00

Arsenal

Arsenal

Prediction:
3-0

Match Time & Date:

25 September 2024

19:45

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Bolton

Bolton

Arsenal will look to book their place in the EFL Cup last 16 when they take on Bolton on Wednesday evening. The Gunners defended well in a 2-2 draw with their bitter rivals Man City at the weekend, but they are likely to adopt an attack-minded approach against Bolton. Leonardo Trossard misses out through suspension, while all Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, and Takehiro Tomiy... Read More...

This match will be played on 25 September 2024 at 19:45

Wycombe

Wycombe

Prediction:
0-2

Match Time & Date:

24 September 2024

20:00

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Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Tuesday’s football game at Adams Park pits together Wycombe and Aston Villa, the two teams who meet for the first time since January 2016. Back then the Villans defeated the Chairboys 2-0 in the FA Cup last 64 and Unai Emery’s troops are seen as hot favourites to win the upcoming EFL Cup clash as well. All Bailey, Maatsen, Duran, and Barkley should be recalled to the sta... Read More...

This match will be played on 24 September 2024 at 20:00

Walsall

Walsall

Prediction:
1-2

Match Time & Date:

24 September 2024

19:45

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Leicester

Leicester

A place in the EFL Cup last 16 will be at stake when Walsall and Leicester City face each other at Bescot Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Saddlers are on a three-game winning run in all competitions, but they are still as underdogs in the EFL Cup clash. Even though there are no fresh injury worries in the home team, experienced forward Albert Adomah should sneak into the sta... Read More...

This match will be played on 24 September 2024 at 19:45

Man City

Man City

Prediction:
4-1

Match Time & Date:

24 September 2024

19:45

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Watford

Watford

After sharing the spoils with Arsenal, Manchester City will look to return to winning ways when they face Watford in the EFL Cup last 32. The Citizens showed character in the Premier League derby, with substitute John Stones scoring a late equalizer and, no doubt, this goal gave Pep Guardiola’s men an additional confidence boost. The towering defender should be recalled to... Read More...

This match will be played on 24 September 2024 at 19:45

Chelsea

Chelsea

Prediction:
3-0

Match Time & Date:

24 September 2024

19:45

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Barrow

Barrow

Chelsea and Barrow face each other at Stamford Bridge in a David-vs-Goliath clash. The Blues aim to build on a routine 3-0 win over West Ham United and there is every chance boss Enzo Maresca will shuffle his pack. All Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, and Christopher Nkunku are pushing for a start, while the likes of Malo Gusto, Reece James, Armando Broja, and Romeo Lavia remain on t... Read More...

This match will be played on 24 September 2024 at 19:45

AFC Wimbledon

AFC Wimbledon

Prediction:
NA

Match Time & Date:

24 September 2024

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Newcastle

Newcastle

This match has been postponed.

... Read More...

This match will be played on 24 September 2024 at 19:45

Coventry City

Coventry City

Prediction:
1-3

Match Time & Date:

18 September 2024

20:00

VIEW PREDICTION

Tottenham

Tottenham

Coventry City will try to claim a major scalp in the EFL Cup last 32 when they face Tottenham at their Coventry Building Society Arena. The Sky Blues failed to win the previous three Championship games and it is no wonder the bookies see them as underdogs in Wednesday’s encounter. Jamaica international Joel Latibeaudiere limped off with injury in a 1-1 draw with Watford at... Read More...

This match will be played on 18 September 2024 at 20:00

Brighton

Brighton

Prediction:
2-1

Match Time & Date:

18 September 2024

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Wolves

Wolves

After sharing the spoils with Ipswich Town in their last Premier League game, Brighton will be aiming to return to winning ways when they take on Wolverhampton in the EFL Cup last 32. The Seagulls failed to turn their dominance into victory against the Tractor Boys, but they are still seen as favourites to beat the Wolves in yet another home fixture. Both Julio Enciso and Ev... Read More...

This match will be played on 18 September 2024 at 19:45

Manchester United

Manchester United

Prediction:
3-0

Match Time & Date:

17 September 2024

20:00

VIEW PREDICTION

Barnsley

Barnsley

Following a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Southampton, Manchester United will look to provide their fans with another cause for celebration when they face Barnsley in the EFL Cup last 32. The Red Devils are brimming with confidence ahead of Tuesday’s clash and even though Erik ten Hag is expected to mix the squad, home win should be considered. All Alejandro Garnacho, Harry... Read More...

This match will be played on 17 September 2024 at 20:00

QPR

QPR

Prediction:
1-2

Match Time & Date:

17 September 2024

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace

Sparkles will be flying when Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace lock horns in the EFL Cup last 32. The Hoops are undefeated in the previous six games in all competitions, which is fuelling fans with optimism ahead of the local derby, but they are still seen as underdogs in this contest. As Sam Field limped off with injury in a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, Paul Smyt... Read More...

This match will be played on 17 September 2024 at 19:45

Preston

Preston

Prediction:
1-1

Match Time & Date:

17 September 2024

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Fulham

Fulham

A spot in the EFL Cup last 16 will be at stake when Preston and Fulham go head to head in an eagerly-awaited game at Deepdale. The Lilywhites set up a meeting with the Premier League side by crushing Harrogate 5-0 on the road, but they will have a mountain to climb in Tuesday’s showdown. Forward Josh Bowler is widely expected to return to the starting line-up, while there ... Read More...

This match will be played on 17 September 2024 at 19:45

Everton

Everton

Prediction:
2-1

Match Time & Date:

17 September 2024

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Southampton

Southampton

Everton and Southampton square off against each other at Goodison Park in what is expected to be an interesting EFL Cup encounter. The Toffees aim to make amends for back-to-back losses to Aston Villa and Bournemouth and, no doubt, they are desperate to put an end to their dreadful losing run in the Premier League. Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko should be fit for Tuesday’s cl... Read More...

This match will be played on 17 September 2024 at 19:45

Brentford

Brentford

Prediction:
3-1

Match Time & Date:

17 September 2024

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient

Brentford will look to bounce back from a narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester City as they host Leyton Orient in the EFL Cup. Despite the loss, the Bees delivered a strong performance, and manager Thomas Frank is expected to mix the squad for this cup tie. The likes of Kevin Schade, Fabio Carvalho, and Yehor Yarmolyuk are all pushing for a starting spot, with Frank likely to off... Read More...

This match will be played on 17 September 2024 at 19:45

Author image
Bojan Jovanovic • Football expert
16 October 2025 • 19:25 UTC • 1 min read
EFL Cup Predictions

Weekly EFL Cup Betting Tips

Below you’ll find our weekly English Football League (EFL) Cup tips across the most relevant football betting markets, including Correct Score, Both Teams to Score (BTTS), Over/Under 2.5 Goals, Total Shots on Target, and Match Result.

EFL Cup Betting Tips

MatchBetting tips
LiverpoolLiverpoolSouthamptonSouthampton23/09/2025, 20:00
  • Correct Score: 4-1
  • BTTS: Yes
  • Over 1.5 Goals: Yes
  • Total SoT: Over 12.5
  • Match Result: Home Win
TottenhamTottenhamDoncasterDoncaster24/09/2025, 19:45
  • Correct Score: 4-1
  • BTTS: Yes
  • Over 1.5 Goals: Yes
  • Total SoT: Over 12.5
  • Match Result: Home Win
NewcastleNewcastleBradfordBradford24/09/2025, 19:45
  • Correct Score: 3-0
  • BTTS: No
  • Over 1.5 Goals: Yes
  • Total SoT: Over 7.5
  • Match Result: Home Win
HuddersfieldHuddersfieldMan CityMan City24/09/2025, 19:45
  • Correct Score: 1-4
  • BTTS: Yes
  • Over 1.5 Goals: Yes
  • Total SoT: Over 12.5
  • Match Result: Away Win
Port ValePort ValeArsenalArsenal24/09/2025, 20:00
  • Correct Score: 0-3
  • BTTS: No
  • Over 1.5 Goals: Yes
  • Total SoT: Over 7.5
  • Match Result: Away Win

EFL Cup Outrights Tips for 2025/2026 Season

Outright betting in the EFL Cup focuses on predicting long-term outcomes across the tournament rather than single matches. Instead of wagering on the result of one tie, punters look at who will win the trophy, or to reach the semi-finals. These futures markets are available before the tournament begins and remain active throughout, with prices shifting as favourites advance or get knocked out.

Unlike match markets settled in ninety minutes, outright stakes stay locked in for months, so assessing squad depth, fixture congestion, and managerial attitude toward the competition is crucial. The main EFL outright markets include To Win Outright and To Reach The Semi-Finals.

Our expert forecasts for the 2025/26 EFL Cup season are provided below.

Who is most likely to win the EFL Cup?

Liverpool and Chelsea lead the way as the two strongest contenders to win the 2025/26 EFL Cup. Liverpool are priced at 4/1 (20%) by most major bookmakers, reflecting their attacking reinforcements and history of domestic cup success, while Chelsea are quoted at 6/1 (14.3%). Chelsea’s odds are lower than Liverpool’s, but we believe their squad depth and influx of new attacking talent give them a strong chance of competing for the EFL Cup.

More detail on the 2 main candidates to win the EFL Cup is given below.

Who is most likely to win the EFL Cup?

Liverpool and Chelsea lead the way as the two strongest contenders to win the 2025/26 EFL Cup. Liverpool are priced at 4/1 (20%) by most major bookmakers, reflecting their attacking reinforcements and history of domestic cup success, while Chelsea are quoted at 6/1 (14.3%). Chelsea’s odds are lower than Liverpool’s, but we believe their squad depth and influx of new attacking talent give them a strong chance of competing for the EFL Cup.

More detail on the 2 main candidates to win the EFL Cup this season is given below.

  • Liverpool (4/1, 20%). Having reached the finals in 2024–2025, Liverpool are our favourite to win the EFL Cup this season. They arrive with a refreshed front line thanks to Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Alexander Isak, adding progression through the thirds, width, and finishing options across the attack. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool has combined intensity with smarter rotation in domestic cups. The team’s balance between experienced defenders, creative midfielders, and versatile attackers positions them strongly in knockout settings, making them the strongest betting pick to lift the EFL Cup.
  • Chelsea (6/1, 14.3%). Chelsea provide an intriguing alternative to Liverpool in the EFL Cup race. Their squad depth has been bolstered by Liam Delap, João Pedro, Estêvão, and Alejandro Garnacho, adding different attacking profiles and options off the bench. In cup competitions, Chelsea’s ability to rotate without losing threat is vital, and their recruitment suggests they now possess that flexibility. With Champions League commitments demanding high-level performance twice a week, Chelsea’s ability to spread minutes across a deeper squad becomes crucial. This combination of rotation capacity and attacking variety makes them a highly credible contender for an EFL Cup victory this season.

Who is most likely to reach the semi-finals in the EFL Cup?

The four leading contenders for EFL Cup semi-final places in 2025/26 include Liverpool, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Everton, based on recruitment, squad stability, and tactical outlook.

More information about the 4 top contenders to reach the semi-finals in the EFL Cup follow below.

  • Liverpool. Liverpool are a front-runner to reach the EFL Cup semi-finals thanks to a blend of strong signings and proven managerial quality. Summer arrivals, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Alexander Isak, boost Liverpool’s options in transition, wide attack, and finishing capacity. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool demonstrated the ability to compete on multiple fronts last season. With a deep attacking unit and defensive balance, they are well equipped for the demands of successive knockout rounds, making them a serious EFL Cup semi-final candidate.
  • Newcastle United. As defending champions, Newcastle United are another contender aiming for a deep EFL Cup semi-final spot. The club added Yoane Wissa, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, and Jacob Ramsey this summer, aiming to refresh their attacking and midfield options. While their defence remains a vital foundation in cup ties, the new signings provide Newcastle with the firepower to overcome lower-division resistance and grind through close fixtures. Their blend of solidity and upgraded attacking threat gives Newcastle United credible EFL Cup semi-final potential this season.
  • Chelsea. Chelsea’s claim to a semi-final spot in the EFL tournament lies in their sheer squad depth and continued investment. The additions of Liam Delap, João Pedro, Estêvão, and Alejandro Garnacho give them multiple attacking profiles to rotate as the competition intensifies. In a format where games are settled on the day, having high-quality backup options is crucial, and Chelsea now possess that flexibility. They remain wildcards, but their resources and rotation capability make them viable EFL Cup semi-final challengers.
  • Everton. Everton’s path to the EFL Cup semi-finals is built on stability and cohesion. With their core squad largely unchanged and David Moyes in charge, the club’s familiarity and consistency become assets in knockout football. When squads rotate, Everton’s strong internal understanding is their best tool to outlast more disrupted teams in later rounds. While lacking star-level upgrades, their foundation and experienced manager give them a shot at pushing into the EFL Cup semi-finals.

EFL Cup Betting Stats and Data

Officially known as the Carabao Cup for sponsorship reasons, the EFL Cup has been played since 1960 and is the second most prestigious domestic knockout competition in English football after the FA Cup. To further enhance our EFL Cup tips and betting advice, FootballPredictions.com draws on competition records that track how often home or away teams progress, the typical number of goals scored in ties, and how often both teams find the net. We use these patterns to form the statistical base for our weekly previews across the most popular EFL Cup betting markets.

EFL Cup Stats (2025/2026)

Team Type Average Goals Scored
Home Teams 1.34
Away Teams 1.38
Total (Combined) 2.72
33 min/Goal (207 Goals in 76 matches)
49% Clean Sheets (37 times out of 76 matches)
54% Both Teams Scored (41 times out of 76 matches)
Outcome (Full-Time Result) % of Matches
Home Win 41%
Draw 24%
Away Win 35%
Goals % of Matches Over
Over 0.5 97%
Over 1.5 80%
Over 2.5 50%
Over 3.5 28%
Over 4.5 12%
Goals % of Matches Under
Under 0.5 3%
Under 1.5 20%
Under 2.5 50%
Under 3.5 72%
Under 4.5 88%
League Cup Match Stats (2025/2026)
Shots Per Match 25.07
Shots / Match (Home) 13.2
Shots / Match (Away) 11.87
Fouls Per Match 21.86
Fouls / Match (Home) 10.45
Fouls / Match (Away) 11.41
Offsides Per Match 3.57
Players Participated 1979

EFL Cup Fixtures

Date Match
29/07/2025, 18:30 Barnet 2 - 2 Newport County
05/08/2025, 18:45 Accrington Stanley 3 - 1 Oldham Athletic
26/08/2025, 18:00 Reading 2 - 1 AFC Wimbledon
26/08/2025, 18:30 Cambridge United 3 - 1 Charlton Athletic
26/08/2025, 18:30 Wolverhampton Wanderers 3 - 2 West Ham United
26/08/2025, 18:45 Norwich City 0 - 3 Southampton
26/08/2025, 18:45 Preston North End 2 - 3 Wrexham
26/08/2025, 18:45 Bromley 1 - 1 Wycombe Wanderers
26/08/2025, 18:45 Millwall 2 - 1 Coventry City
26/08/2025, 18:45 Accrington Stanley 0 - 2 Doncaster Rovers
26/08/2025, 18:45 Barnsley 2 - 1 Rotherham United
26/08/2025, 18:45 AFC Bournemouth 0 - 2 Brentford
26/08/2025, 18:45 Sunderland 1 - 1 Huddersfield Town
26/08/2025, 18:45 Birmingham City 0 - 1 Port Vale
26/08/2025, 18:45 Wigan Athletic 1 - 0 Stockport County
26/08/2025, 18:45 Cardiff City 3 - 0 Cheltenham Town
26/08/2025, 18:45 Swansea City 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
26/08/2025, 18:45 Burnley 2 - 1 Derby County
26/08/2025, 18:45 Stoke City 0 - 3 Bradford City
26/08/2025, 18:45 Burton Albion 0 - 1 Lincoln City
26/08/2025, 19:00 Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 1 Leeds United
27/08/2025, 18:45 Oxford United 0 - 6 Brighton & Hove Albion
27/08/2025, 18:45 Fulham 2 - 0 Bristol City
27/08/2025, 18:45 Everton 2 - 0 Mansfield Town
27/08/2025, 19:00 Grimsby Town 2 - 2 Manchester United
16/09/2025, 18:45 Sheffield Wednesday 0 - 1 Grimsby Town
16/09/2025, 19:00 Brentford 1 - 1 Aston Villa
16/09/2025, 19:00 Crystal Palace 1 - 1 Millwall
17/09/2025, 19:00 Swansea City 3 - 2 Nottingham Forest
23/09/2025, 18:45 Burnley 1 - 2 Cardiff City
23/09/2025, 18:45 Wrexham 2 - 0 Reading
23/09/2025, 18:45 Lincoln City 1 - 2 Chelsea
23/09/2025, 18:45 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 - 0 Everton
23/09/2025, 18:45 Wigan Athletic 0 - 2 Wycombe Wanderers
23/09/2025, 18:45 Fulham 1 - 0 Cambridge United
23/09/2025, 18:45 Barnsley 0 - 6 Brighton & Hove Albion
23/09/2025, 19:00 Liverpool 2 - 1 Southampton
24/09/2025, 18:45 Huddersfield Town 0 - 2 Manchester City
24/09/2025, 18:45 Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 0 Doncaster Rovers
24/09/2025, 18:45 Newcastle United 4 - 1 Bradford City
24/09/2025, 19:00 Port Vale 0 - 2 Arsenal

What are EFL Cup Predictions?

EFL Cup predictions are expert forecasts of outcomes in England’s main midweek knockout competition. Unlike league forecasts that focus on points over a long season, EFL Cup predictions look at one-off ties where progress is decided in a single evening. Forecasts highlight which clubs are best placed to advance through each round, who has the squad depth to reach the final at Wembley, and which football betting markets offer the strongest statistical backing. The most common betting markets for the EFL Cup include Home Win, Both Teams to Score (BTTS), and Over or Under goals.

What makes the EFL Cup distinctive is the mix of top Premier League sides, Championship contenders, and clubs from the lower divisions competing in the same bracket. Managers often rotate their squads, which creates opportunities for upsets when ambitious underdogs meet elite opponents. At FootballPredictions.com, analysts study form, head-to-head records, and tactical setups while factoring in the challenges of fixture congestion. The result is a set of EFL Cup football predictions that balance statistical evidence with the unique dynamics of knockout football. For bettors, comparisons between FA Cup predictions and EFL Cup forecasts are common, since both tournaments share the single-elimination format but differ in prestige, scheduling, and the range of clubs involved.

How are EFL Cup Predictions determined?

At FootballPredictions.com, our analysts shape EFL Cup predictions through a five-step process that blends competition context, data analysis, squad news, venue effects, and betting market evaluation.

The five steps behind our EFL Cup predictions are as follows.

  • Setting the tie context and cup rules
  • Assessing form and underlying data
  • Reviewing squad availability and rotation
  • Factoring in venue, travel, and conditions
  • Comparing projections with bookmaker odds
  1. Setting the tie context and cup rules. The first step in EFL Cup predictions is understanding the format of the competition, because it shapes how clubs approach each round. All 92 teams from the Premier League and Football League take part, with League Two sides entering in the early rounds and top-flight clubs joining later depending on European commitments. Matches are single-leg knockouts until the semi-finals, which remain two-legged before the Wembley final in March. These rules influence how managers rotate squads, weigh priorities, and respond to incentives, all of which must be factored into accurate EFL Cup football predictions.
  2. Assessing form and underlying data. The next stage in EFL Cup predictions is measuring form and reliable metrics. This assessment includes expected goals, chance creation, defensive stability, and home versus away performance. The EFL Cup often produces early upsets when Premier League teams rotate heavily, so predictions adjust for the higher strike rate of lower-division clubs at home. By filtering short-term streaks from long-term trends, EFL Cup football predictions highlight which sides are genuinely positioned to progress and which results are misleading.
  3. Reviewing squad availability and rotation. The third step in making accurate EFL Cup predictions is reviewing squad availability and rotation. Rotation is more pronounced here than in league football, as Premier League clubs often rest starters during busy fixture periods and rely on younger or fringe players. Championship and League One sides, on the other hand, tend to field their strongest elevens. Injuries, suspensions, and transfer activity all influence squad depth, so EFL Cup predictions must weigh who is likely to start and how bench quality shifts the balance of a tie.
  4. Factoring in venue, travel, and conditions. The fourth step in making accurate EFL Cup predictions is factoring in venue, travel, and playing conditions. Smaller grounds can level the field, especially under floodlights in midweek ties, while long trips between northern and southern clubs add fatigue. Seasonal weather, such as autumn rain or winter cold, further affects match tempo. Accurate EFL forecasts must integrate these logistical and environmental details to reflect the true dynamics of each fixture.
  5. Comparing projections with bookmaker odds. The final step ensures EFL Cup predictions are actionable. Probabilities based on squad strength, form, and context are compared to bookmaker odds, with mismatches flagged as value opportunities. This step identifies overreactions to short-term form or mispriced rotation risks, making our professional football predictions practical for punters who want evidence-based tips backed by market logic.

When are EFL Cup Predictions released?

Our EFL Cup predictions are published on Mondays at 13:00 London time, giving readers enough time to review analysis ahead of the midweek fixtures. Since most EFL Cup ties are scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, this release window ensures forecasts are prepared with the latest weekend information still fresh. In cases where matches are rescheduled or drawn later in the competition, our updated EFL Cup predictions are released once dates are confirmed. This approach guarantees forecasts remain accurate and timely, helping fans and bettors prepare with confidence before each round.

What are the most appealing Betting Markets to bet on for the EFL Cup?

The most appealing betting markets for the EFL Cup are Home Wins, Both Teams to Score (BTTS), and Over 2.5 Goals. These three markets stand out because they reflect the competition’s unique mix of strong home advantage, frequent high-scoring games, and the openness of fixtures involving clubs from different divisions. Bettors are attracted to them not only for their reliability but also because seasonal and club-level statistics provide clear evidence that these markets consistently deliver value.

More information on the 3 best markets for betting on the EFL Cup is given below.

  • Home Wins. The Home Wins market is extremely appealing for EFL Cup bettors due to the consistent advantage shown by home sides across different editions of the tournament. In 2020/21, home wins made up 40% of results compared to 38% away wins and 22% draws, while in 2024/25 the figure rose to 48%, clearly outpacing both draws (16%) and away wins (35%). Across the last five seasons of the Cup, only in 2021/22 did away victories dominate, with 52% compared to just 28% home wins. Such dominance at home highlights why the Home Win market remains a standout choice for EFL Cup punters.
  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS). The BTTS market is one of the best for EFL punters because the Cup often produces wide-open games between Premier League clubs and ambitious lower-league sides. The frequency of BTTS outcomes ranged from 43% in 2020/21 to 59% in 2023/24, showing its reliability across different seasons. Middlesbrough in 2023/24 recorded a 57% BTTS rate during their run, while Liverpool were even more remarkable with 83% in 2023/24 and 67% in 2024/25. Everton in 2023/24 also posted a very high 75% BTTS rate, reflecting how even strong teams tend to both score and concede in this competition. These trends make BTTS a consistent value market for EFL Cup bettors.
  • Over 2.5 Goals. The Over 2.5 market is extremely appealing for EFL Cup bettors due to the competition’s consistently high scoring averages. Across the last five seasons, goals per game have ranged between 2.59 and 3.24, with Over 2.5 Goals hitting in roughly half of all fixtures (49% in 2020/21, 52% in 2021/22, 48% in 2022/23, and 52% in both 2023/24 and 2024/25). At a club level, the appeal is even clearer. Arsenal in 2021/22 had 83% of their matches finish Over 2.5, while Brighton recorded 100% that same season. In 2024/25, Liverpool delivered 83% Over 2.5 outcomes, while Arsenal once again registered 80%. These striking percentages show that the EFL Cup regularly produces high-scoring sides, making Over 2.5 Goals one of the most rewarding betting markets for punters.

A table summarising key outcomes across the last five EFL Cup seasons is given below.

Season Home Wins Draws Away Wins BTTS Over 2.5 Goals Avg. Goals / Match
2020/21 40% 22% 38% 43% 49% 2.77
2021/22 28% 20% 52% 45% 52% 2.77
2022/23 43% 14% 43% 40% 48% 2.53
2023/24 39% 21% 40% 59% 52% 2.95
2024/25 48% 16% 35% 54% 52% 3.24

EFL Cup Season Guide

Currently known as the Carabao Cup, the EFL Cup is England’s secondary knockout competition open to all 92 clubs from the Premier League and the English Football League. The 2025/26 EFL Cup season is its 66th edition. The tournament runs from late July through March, with Wembley Stadium hosting the final. The winners of the EFL Cup secure qualification for the play-off round of the 2026/27 UEFA Conference League. Newcastle United enter as defending champions after defeating Liverpool in the 2024/25 final.

What Is the Format of the EFL Cup 2025/26 Season?

The format of the EFL Cup 2025/26 consists of a straight knockout competition across seven rounds, but with staggered entry points depending on league level. A preliminary round has been reintroduced this season to account for nine Premier League sides competing in Europe. Barnet and Oldham Athletic were promoted from the National League and entered the preliminary round. They joined Accrington Stanley and Newport County, who finished 21st and 22nd in League Two, to reduce the field before Round One.

Round One of the EFL Cup involves 70 clubs from League Two, League One, and the Championship, joined by the two winners of the preliminary ties. Round Two introduces the 11 Premier League clubs not playing in Europe, while the nine European qualifiers enter at Round Three. From that stage, the EFL tournament progresses through Round Four, Round Five, the two-legged semi-finals, and the final at Wembley. EFL ties are settled on the night, with extra time and penalties used when necessary.

What are the Start & End Dates for EFL Cup 2025/26?

The 2025/26 EFL Cup runs from the preliminary round in the week commencing 4 August 2025 to the final on Sunday 22 March 2026. Round One ties were played in mid-August, followed by Round Two at the end of the month. Round Three took place across split weeks in mid- and late September to accommodate clubs playing in the Champions League and Europa League. Round Four is scheduled for the final week of October, Round Five for mid-December, the semi-finals for January and early February, and the EFL competition concludes with the Wembley final in March.

How are EFL Cup Fixtures built up?

EFL Cup fixtures are built through seeded, regionalised draws in the early rounds before moving to an open national draw in later stages. In the preliminary and first rounds, clubs are divided into northern and southern sections to minimise travel, and pairings are drawn at random within those regions. Championship, League One, and League Two clubs enter the EFL competition at this stage, with ties usually played in quick succession across a single week.

In Round Two of the EFL Tournament, the winners join the 11 Premier League clubs not involved in Europe. The nine European entrants are seeded into Round Three, and conditions are applied to avoid fixture clashes between Champions League and Europa League participants. From the fourth round onward, the EFL draw is no longer regionalised, creating the potential for high-profile Premier League clashes as well as deep runs by lower-tier teams such as Grimsby Town, who reached Round Four in 2025/26. Each round of the EFL Cup is drawn live, with home advantage decided by the order of the draw, and all ties are played to a conclusion on the night.

Other Leagues We Cover

Stay on top of Europe’s biggest football competitions with our expert predictions for other leagues and tournaments including the ones below.

  • FA Cup Predictions. Our FA Cup predictions focus on England’s oldest knockout tournament, following key fixtures and potential upsets.
  • Premier League Predictions. Premier League forecasts analyse England’s top division with insights into form, goals, and title races.
  • Championship Predictions. Our Championship coverage tracks promotion battles and teams chasing a place in the Premier League.
  • Europa League Predictions. Europa League forecasts feature top European clubs competing for continental trophies and qualification spots.
  • Champions League Predictions. Our Champions League coverage delivers expert forecasts across Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
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