It’s crunch time in the EFL Cup, as we enter the semi-final stage; who is booking their bus to Wembley? With two games over the week and the second legs to follow, it’s a chance for one of these sides to pick up the first silverware of this calendar year. Still in the fight are Liverpool who take on Fulham, and the outsiders Middlesbrough who face Chelsea.
With some underdog winners in the past like Swansea and Birmingham City, we could be in for another giant killing this year. With our EFL Cup odds, you can get great returns on a range of top markets. Sports betting with NetBet has never been so easy. What’s more, why not spin the Wheel of Sportune for the opportunity to win daily prizes?
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea Preview
Is a Giant Killing on the Horizon?
Surely Middleborough can’t go all the way, can they? The Boro have done a stellar job just to get to this point and along with flying league form, things are pumping at the Riverside. Although they were unable to get past the in-form Aston Villa in the FA Cup, they welcome Chelsea for the second big game in less than a week.
Middlesbrough, having earned their spot in the semi-finals with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Port Vale, will be eager to carry that momentum forward. But, although Michael Carrick’s men have been playing well, there have been a few bumps in the road. Can they regain their winning touch against the formidable Chelsea?
On the flip side, Chelsea arrive at the Riverside Stadium riding a wave of success, boasting three consecutive victories. Their latest display, a dominant 4-0 FA Cup triumph against Preston North End, showcased their attacking prowess. Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Enzo Fernández all found the net within a breathtaking 27 minutes. The Blues are flying high, but Middlesbrough stand as a potential stumbling block in their quest for Carabao Cup glory.
Chelsea’s Historical Dominance
Middlesbrough have stumbled in their last five home games, suffering four defeats, while Chelsea have struggled on the road, losing four of their last five away fixtures. The Riverside faithful will be hoping their team can break the home jinx against Chelsea, who have not only defeated them five times consecutively, but have also denied them a single goal in those encounters.
History favours Chelsea in this clash, having claimed victory in 57 out of the 117 encounters between the two sides since 1907. The visitors have particularly dominated recent meetings, winning the last nine encounters and keeping clean sheets in each. However, Middlesbrough did manage to secure a win in one of the three previous Carabao Cup clashes.
However, as we head into the first semi-final stage, form can go out the window. It’s sure to be a rocking atmosphere at the Riverside, and if Middlesbrough can get something from this game, then they will fancy themselves and head to London for the replay with their tails up.
Liverpool vs Fulham Preview
Jurgen Klopp’s side, buoyed by their recent FA Cup success, are not just eyeing EFL Cup glory but also challenging for the Premier League and Europa League titles. The clash with Fulham marks Liverpool’s record 19th appearance in the EFL Cup semi-finals, setting the stage for an intense battle at Anfield.
Coincidentally, Klopp and Marco Silva find themselves in the EFL Cup semi-finals after both securing victories over Arsenal in different competitions. Fulham, too, claimed a 2-1 win against the Gunners on New Year’s Eve, displaying their prowess. The camaraderie between the two managers will make this encounter not just a contest of skills but a battle of wits and banter.
While Rotherham may not have posed a significant FA Cup challenge, Fulham will be eager to carry their winning momentum into the EFL Cup semi-finals. Having eliminated Everton on penalties in the quarter-finals, Fulham are aiming for their first-ever EFL Cup triumph. This marks their inaugural semi-final appearance, and Silva’s men are determined to make history.
Wednesday’s game promises a clash of ambitions, as Liverpool aim to add another trophy to their illustrious cabinet, while Fulham seek a breakthrough moment in their cup journey. Anfield will be the battleground, and football fans can expect nothing short of a thrilling encounter as these two teams vie for a place in the EFL Cup final.
With Liverpool so strong at home, Fulham could well be hoping to escape Merseyside with a respectable scoreline and get back to London in the hope of doing the damage in front of their home fans. It will be a huge clash as the big day at Wembley is just around the corner.
EFL Cup Betting Tips
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea Bet Builder: Chelsea to win, both teams to score, and Cole Palmer to score anytime @ 4.75
Cole Palmer is proving himself in West London. Known as ‘Cold Palmer’, he’s been a killer and keeps proving himself in the big moments. While Boro failed to score against Villa, they will at least be hoping to find the net and head to London with something to defend, but Chelsea’s quality will be too much.
Liverpool vs Fulham: First goalscorer Darwin Nunez @ 4.90
You never, ever know what to expect with Nunez. But his unpredictability is what makes him so hard to pay against. While Salah is away he’ll be the main threat to bag first here.
Liverpool vs Fulham Bet Builder: Liverpool to win, one team to score, and Liverpool over 1.5 goals @ 3.00
The Reds seem to have their relentless quality back. They have been assured at the back and potent going forward and would fancy themselves against anyone in this current form. You just can’t see an upset coming here, especially not at Anfied.
*Odds subject to change.
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