Who are This Year’s Favourites to Win the EFL Cup?

We have four teams remaining in the English Football League Cup. With the defending champions, Manchester United, out of the competition, a new name will be on the trophy. Read on as we assess the favourites to win the EFL Cup this season.

Liverpool the Bookies Favourites

Despite being 1-0 down to Tottenham Hotspur after the first leg of the semi-final in London, Liverpool remain the favourites to win this year’s EFL Cup. The Reds have been dominant in every competition they have entered this season. Liverpool top the Premier League, finished top of the Champions League table, and are still in the FA Cup. This could be a monumental season for Liverpool in terms of trophies and Arne Slot will be desperate to get the first trophy in the cabinet. Liverpool will be going full strength in the second leg against Spurs and with the game being played at Anfield, it is clear why the best online betting sites have Liverpool as the favourites to win the EFL Cup.

Newcastle United in Strong Position

We must go back to 1955 to find the last time Newcastle United won a major trophy and the EFL Cup presents a wonderful opportunity for the Magpies to lift silverware this season. Having beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the semi-final, Eddie Howe’s team are in a fantastic position to progress to the final. Newcastle United were in good form up until recently but they have lost each of their last 2 home fixtures in the Premier League. That will have spread some doubt among the fans, and it could lead to a nervy atmosphere at St James’ Park, especially if Arsenal score the first goal.

Can Postecoglou Deliver on His Promise?

Ange Postecoglou said it is a “fact” he has always won a trophy in the second season with a team under his management. Looking back at the Australian’s career, he won trophies in his second season with South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F Marinos, Australia, and Celtic. So, Postecoglou does have a history of winning trophies in his second season and Tottenham Hotspur have a 1-0 lead to defend at Anfield in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final. However, Spurs have lost 3 of their last 4 away Premier League games and have key players missing. Radu Dragusin, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke are definitely out plus there are doubts over the fitness of Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, and Brennan Johnson.

The Gunners with Work to Do

Arsenal are the least likely to win the EFL Cup this season given they are 2-0 down from the first leg of their semi-final against Newcastle United and play away in the second leg. Arsenal will be buoyed by their 5-1 win over Manchester City in the Premier League on the weekend and Mikel Arteta will play his strongest available XI as he searches for his first trophy as Arsenal manager. However, Arsenal have already lost at Newcastle United in the Premier League this season and although they can win the match, they may not do so by the required margin to progress.

So, Liverpool are this year’s favourites to win the EFL Cup. They may be 1-0 down from the first leg but at home against a Spurs team without key players, Liverpool should progress and have the beating of potential finalists, Newcastle United.

05.02.2025