EFL Cup Predictions

Blackpool

Blackpool

Prediction:
1-1

Match Time & Date:

17 September 2024

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday

Bloomfield Road will be the centre of attention when Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday square off against each other in a highly-anticipated EFL Cup clash. The Seasiders are eyeing their third consecutive win in all competitions and they are surely capable of making life difficult for the Championship side. Teenage forward Dominic Ballard limped off with injury in the last l... Read More...

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

Stoke City

Stoke City

Prediction:
2-1

Match Time & Date:

17 September 2024

19:30

VIEW PREDICTION

Fleetwood

Fleetwood

A place in the EFL Cup last 16 will be at stake when Stoke City and Fleetwood Town face each other at Bet365 Stadium. The Potters aim to recover from the Championship defeat to Oxford United and they are seen as favourites to win Tuesday’s encounter. Lynden Gooch limped off with injury at the weekend, with Andy Moran likely to step up.

The Cod Army, on the other ha... Read More...

This match will be played on 17 September 2024 at 19:30

Chelsea

Chelsea

Prediction:
1-2

Match Time & Date:

25 February 2024

15:00

VIEW PREDICTION

Liverpool

Liverpool

Wembley Stadium will be the centre of attention when Chelsea and Liverpool lock horns in the EFL Cup final. The Blues did well to hold star-studded Man City to a draw in their last league match, which is surely giving fans a reason for optimism ahead of Sunday’s showdown. The likes of Thiago Silva, Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella, and Lesley Ugochukwu... Read More...

This match will be played on 25 February 2024 at 15:00

Fulham

Fulham

Prediction:
1-2

Match Time & Date:

24 January 2024

20:00

VIEW PREDICTION

Liverpool

Liverpool

All eyes will be on Craven Cottage when Fulham and Liverpool go head to head in the EFL Cup semis, return leg. The Reds came from behind to beat the Cottagers 2-1 in the first leg and, as a result, Jurgen Klopp’s men are with one foot in the final. Mohamed Salah suffered an injury in Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Curtis Jones limped off ... Read More...

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

Chelsea

Chelsea

Prediction:
2-0

Match Time & Date:

23 January 2024

20:00

VIEW PREDICTION

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough

Chelsea will look to overcome a one-goal deficit in the tie EFL Cup tie with Middlesbrough when the two teams face each other at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening. The Blues are on a three-game winning run in the Premier League and they are high on confidence ahead of the visit of Boro. Nicolas Jackson is on international duty, while all Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cuc... Read More...

This match will be played on 23 January 2024 at 20:00

Liverpool

Liverpool

Prediction:
2-1

Match Time & Date:

10 January 2024

20:00

VIEW PREDICTION

Fulham

Fulham

Liverpool will look to build on the FA Cup win over Arsenal when they take on Fulham in the EFL Cup semis on Wednesday evening. The Reds are eyeing their fourth consecutive win in all competitions and even though Mohamed Salah is on international duty, home triumph should be considered. Diogo Jota is widely expected to return to the starting XI after producing a fine display... Read More...

This match will be played on 10 January 2024 at 20:00

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough

Prediction:
0-2

Match Time & Date:

9 January 2024

20:00

VIEW PREDICTION

Chelsea

Chelsea

A place in the EFL Cup final will be at stake when Middlesbrough and Chelsea square off against each other at Riverside Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Boro aim to recover from the FA Cup loss to Aston Villa, but they face an uphill task in the EFL Cup clash. Fit-again forward Emmanuel Latte Lath is pushing for a start as well as experienced midfielder Jonathan Howson, while... Read More...

This match will be played on 9 January 2024 at 20:00

Liverpool

Liverpool

Prediction:
3-1

Match Time & Date:

20 December 2023

20:00

VIEW PREDICTION

West Ham

West Ham

A spot in the EFL Cup semis will be at stake when Liverpool and West Ham United face each other at Anfield on Wednesday evening. The Reds failed to turn their dominance into victory in a goalless draw with Man Utd, but they are surely capable of beating the Hammers in front of home fans. Cody Gakpo is pushing for a start, while all Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, Joel Matip, and... Read More...

This match will be played on 20 December 2023 at 20:00

Chelsea

Chelsea

Prediction:
2-0

Match Time & Date:

19 December 2023

20:00

VIEW PREDICTION

Newcastle

Newcastle

Sparkles will be flying when Chelsea and Newcastle United go head to head at Stamford Bridge in the EFL Cup quarter-finals. The Blues recorded a hard-fought 2-0 win over Sheffield United in their last league match, but they have big ambitions for the EFL Cup as well. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez is widely expected to return to the starting XI, while all Chilwell, Fofa... Read More...

This match will be played on 19 December 2023 at 20:00

Port Vale

Port Vale

Prediction:
0-1

Match Time & Date:

19 December 2023

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough

Vale Park will be packed when Port Vale and Middlesbrough lock horns in a highly-anticipated EFL Cup game. The Valiants aim to build on back-to-back wins over Exeter City and Wigan Athletic, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry against the Championship side. A man to keep an eye on in the League One side will be Ethan Chislett, who scored a hat-trick at the weekend, ... Read More...

This match will be played on 19 December 2023 at 19:45

Everton

Everton

Prediction:
2-0

Match Time & Date:

19 December 2023

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Fulham

Fulham

A place in the EFL Cup semis will be at stake when Everton and Fulham go head to head at Goodison Park on Tuesday evening. The Toffees are on a four-game winning run in the Premier League and it is no wonder the odds for home win have been dropping. The good news for the hosts is that Idrissa Gueye and Jarrad Branthwaite are back from suspension, while all Ashley Young, Seam... Read More...

This match will be played on 19 December 2023 at 19:45

Manchester United

Manchester United

Prediction:
1-1

Match Time & Date:

1 November 2023

20:15

VIEW PREDICTION

Newcastle

Newcastle

Wednesday’s football game between Manchester United and Newcastle United will bring down the curtain on the EFL Cup last 16. The Red Devils have slim chances of winning the Premier League trophy and, no doubt, they are eager to go all the way in the EFL Cup. Jadon Sancho remains on the sidelines through suspension, while all Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Biss... Read More...

This match will be played on 1 November 2023 at 20:15

Ipswich

Ipswich

Prediction:
2-2

Match Time & Date:

1 November 2023

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Fulham

Fulham

Following a 3-2 win over Plymouth in the Championship, Ipswich Town will look to seal their spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals when they take on Fulham on Wednesday evening. The Tractor Boys are on a four-game winning run and we are positive that they will adopt yet another attack-oriented approach against the Premier League side. Even though there are no fresh injury worrie... Read More...

This match will be played on 1 November 2023 at 19:45

Everton

Everton

Prediction:
2-1

Match Time & Date:

1 November 2023

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Burnley

Burnley

Buoyed by a hard-fought win over West Ham United, Everton will look to give fans yet another reason to celebrate when they face Burnley in the EFL Cup last 16. The Toffees quickly bounced back from the Merseyside derby defeat, with the team regaining a much-needed confidence, but they do not want to stop now. Experienced fullback Ashley Young is back from suspension, whereas... Read More...

This match will be played on 1 November 2023 at 19:45

Chelsea

Chelsea

Prediction:
3-0

Match Time & Date:

1 November 2023

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers

Chelsea will look to recover from a disappointing 2-0 loss to Brentford when they take on Blackburn in yet another home fixture. The Blues are on a four-game winless run at home in the Premier League, but they will not have a better chance than this to return to winning ways. Pacey fullback Reece James is widely expected to return to the starting XI, while all Enzo Fernandez... Read More...

This match will be played on 1 November 2023 at 19:45

Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Prediction:
1-3

Match Time & Date:

1 November 2023

19:45

VIEW PREDICTION

Liverpool

Liverpool

A spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals will be at stake when Bournemouth and Liverpool take on each other at Vitality Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Cherries did well to beat Burnley at the weekend, with the team putting an end to their four-game losing run, but they will have a mountain to climb against Jurgen Klopp’s troops. Burkina Fason forward Dango Ouattara is widel... Read More...

This match will be played on 1 November 2023 at 19:45

Author image
Bojan Jovanovic • Football expert
17 October 2025 • 07:22 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.

EFL Cup Outrights Tips for 2025/2026 Season

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 Results

Date Match
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

EFL Cup Fixtures

Date Match
28/10/2025, 19:45 Wycombe Wanderers - Fulham
28/10/2025, 19:45 Grimsby Town - Brentford
28/10/2025, 20:00 Wrexham - Cardiff City
29/10/2025, 19:45 Liverpool - Crystal Palace
29/10/2025, 19:45 Wolverhampton Wanderers - Chelsea
29/10/2025, 19:45 Arsenal - Brighton & Hove Albion
29/10/2025, 19:45 Swansea City - Manchester City
29/10/2025, 20:00 Newcastle United - Tottenham Hotspur

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.

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

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.
Left Menu Icon