In this preview, we explore all four exciting EFL quarter-final matchups set for Wednesday and Thursday, providing insights and betting options to consider.
But first, let’s take a look at the outright markets. Arsenal currently lead the pack at 5/2, closely followed by Liverpool at 27/10. Newcastle United are next at 9/2, while Tottenham Hotspur are priced at 5/1. Manchester United round out the top contenders at 6/1, with the rest of the field priced at 16/1 or higher.
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WEDNESDAY
ARSENAL v CRYSTAL PALACE – Click here to bet
Arsenal and Crystal Palace are set to clash twice within four days, with their EFL Carabao Cup quarter-final showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday offering the first act of this London rivalry. Both sides will aim to seize momentum ahead of their Premier League meeting this weekend for very different reasons, adding an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Arsenal, currently 3rd in the Premier League standings will enter the match following a somewhat surprising 0-0 draw at home to Everton over the weekend. Despite that result, the Gunners remain unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, showcasing their consistency under Mikel Arteta. Their journey to this stage of the EFL Cup saw them secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale in the previous round, with two goals coming before halftime to put the tie to bed. With home advantage at the Emirates, where they have been strong this season, Arsenal will view this as a prime opportunity to move closer to silverware.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will travel to North London fresh from an impressive 3-1 victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium last weekend. While their league form has been patchy, leaving them 15th in the table, Oliver Glasner’s men are unbeaten in their last five matches on the domestic front, picking up two wins and three draws along the way. Palace’s route to the quarter-finals included a gritty 2-1 triumph over Aston Villa at Villa Park, a result that highlighted their ability to rise to the occasion against strong opposition.
Head-to-Head
Arsenal have won their last four meetings against Crystal Palace, conceding just one goal in total. Their most recent encounter ended in a 5-0 victory for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium earlier this year.
Betting
Arsenal 9/20
Draw 15/4
Crystal Palace 6/1
Verdict
With the stakes high and another meeting on the horizon, this midweek cup tie is likely to set the tone for the upcoming weekend clash between these two teams. Arsenal enter Wednesday’s clash as resounding favourites to advance, but Palace’s recent turn of form, along with their knack for upsetting the odds, ensures they cannot be underestimated.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals, Arsenal and Over 2.5 at 23/20
NEWCASTLE UNITED v BRENTFORD – Click here to bet
Newcastle United will host Brentford at St James’ Park on Wednesday for an exciting EFL Cup quarter-final clash. The Magpies will be full of confidence after a dominant 4-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League last weekend, which came as a strong response to their disappointing 4-2 loss to Brentford just a week earlier. Eddie Howe’s side made it to this stage with a solid 2-0 win over Chelsea and will see this as a great opportunity to bounce back and get revenge on the Bees.
Brentford, on the other hand, come into this one after a tough 2-1 defeat to Chelsea away from home, their sixth loss in their last seven away games. While their home form remains excellent, they’ve struggled to replicate that on the road, making their away record one of the worst in the league this season. They managed to secure their quarter-final spot after edging past Sheffield Wednesday 2-1, needing penalties to get the job done.
Head-to-Head
Despite Brentford’s recent 4-2 victory over Newcastle United in the league, the Magpies have a solid record against the Bees, having won five consecutive encounters prior to that. Newcastle have won their last two at St James’ Park against Brentford, perhaps offering a warning sign of things to come given Brentford’s poor run of form on the road.
Betting
Newcastle United 4/7
Draw 7/2
Brentford 9/2
Verdict
With Newcastle’s solid home form and recent performances, they enter Wednesday’s clash rightful favourites. Expect a fiery contest, with Newcastle aiming for revenge and a spot in the semi-finals.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals, Newcastle United and over 1.5 at 8/11
SOUTHAMPTON v LIVERPOOL – Click here to bet
Southampton will host Liverpool at St Mary’s on Wednesday evening in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, with both teams aiming to take another step toward silverware this season.
For Southampton, reaching this stage of the competition has provided a rare bright spot in an otherwise turbulent season. The Saints secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Stoke City in the previous round, but their fortunes have taken a sharp downturn since. With just one win in their last seven matches, the pressure on Russell Martin culminated in his departure as head coach. Under-21s Manager Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is announced. Sunday’s crushing 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur—marking their second consecutive game without scoring—has left the squad facing a daunting task ahead of this midweek clash.
Liverpool, by contrast, enter the clash with momentum firmly on their side. Sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League standings, the Reds have been in scintillating form this season. While they were held to a 2-2 draw by Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, Arne Slot’s side remains unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions, racking up seven victories in that stretch. In the previous round of the EFL Cup, Liverpool overcame Brighton 3-2 in a hard-fought contest, a result that highlights their resilience in knockout competitions.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool remain unbeaten in their last seven encounters with Southampton, having registered six wins and one draw across all competitions (W6 D1). Their most recent meeting resulted in a 3-2 victory for Liverpool at St Mary’s earlier last month in the English Premier League.
Betting
Southampton 6/1
Draw 9/2
Liverpool 37/100
Verdict
This matchup presents a stark contrast in form and confidence. Southampton will be desperate to restore pride and use the cup tie as a platform to spark some life into their faltering season. However, with Liverpool’s firepower and depth, it’s hard to see past the visitors as they aim to secure a semi-final spot in their quest for silverware.
Suggested Bet: Result and Both Teams to Score, Liverpool and Yes at 29/20
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THURSDAY
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
Tottenham Hotspur will face Manchester United in what promises to be an exciting EFL Cup quarter-final showdown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday. Spurs come into this clash on a high, having thrashed Southampton 5-0 away at St Mary’s over the weekend. It was their first win in six matches across all competitions, lifting them to 10th in the Premier League with 23 points. Manager Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to build on this momentum, especially after his side’s impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the previous round of the EFL Cup, and will be eager to add another Manchester scalp to their collection.
Meanwhile, Manchester United head into this one on a bit of a roller coaster. Ruben Amorim’s men have had their share of struggles this season, and they’re currently sitting 13th in the Premier League with 22 points after a tough 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday. The win came at a crucial moment, helping to steady the ship, but consistency remains an issue for United. In the EFL Cup’s previous round, United cruised past Leicester City 5-2, showing their attacking power despite a few defensive lapses.
Head-to-Head
Spurs have had United’s number in recent encounters, remaining unbeaten in their last four meetings with two wins and two draws (W2 D2). Their most recent match ended in a 3-0 victory for Spurs at Old Trafford, while both sides had to settle for a 2-2 draw when they met in London last season.
Betting
Tottenham 11/8
Draw 29/10
Manchester united 7/4
Verdict
Thursday’s match presents both teams with the opportunity to make a significant statement, as Spurs look to recover from recent struggles and United aim for silverware under Amorim in his first season as manager. Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency, making this quarter-final clash unpredictable. Spurs are slight favourites at 11/8, but with United’s pedigree and recent resurgence, this could easily go either way.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both Teams to Score, Tottenham Hotspur/ Manchester United and Yes at 9/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
