Midweek football brings two exciting Carabao Cup quarterfinal matches on Wednesday night, as Manchester City host Brentford and Newcastle Utd take on Fulham, all eyeing a place in the semifinals. Here’s our betting preview, best bets and predictions for these EFL Cup clashes.
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Man City vs Brentford
Man City are overwhelming favourites to progress to the last four, despite some squad rotation. Pep Guardiola confirmed several key men will be rested, including Rodri, John Stones and Jeremy Doku, with academy players and squad options filling out his lineup. James Trafford is set to start in goal due to Donnarumma’s absence, and youth players could feature given City’s packed schedule.
City’s recent form in all competitions has been strong, with a run of five consecutive wins including a 3-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace and a 2-1 Champions League win against Real Madrid. Their attacking output at home has been dynamic, underscoring why they’re clear favourites here.
Brentford arrive after a mixed Premier League run and have struggled away from home, collecting only a handful of points on the road. While they’ve enjoyed cup success earlier this season, including wins over Aston Villa and Bournemouth, their defensive record suggests an uphill task against a City side with firepower to spare.
Prediction: Man City win at 1.47.
Best Bet: Man City to win & over 1.5 total goals at 1.60.
Newcastle Utd vs Fulham
Newcastle Utd host Fulham in the later quarterfinal tie, entering this clash on the back of an inconsistent run of results. The Magpies are looking to bounce back after a tough 1-0 Tyne-Wear Derby defeat to Sunderland, though they remain Carabao Cup defending champions and will be keen to retain their title.
Newcastle’s home form is traditionally strong, and despite squad concerns, including the notable absence of defender Dan Burn due to injury, the Magpies should be a handful for Fulham at St James’ Park. Fulham, meanwhile, are coming off a morale-boosting 3-2 win over Burnley, their first victory there in decades, and they have shown they can score goals, particularly through creative outlets like Harry Wilson and Emile Smith Rowe.
While Newcastle are favourites, Fulham’s attacking threat and recent confidence boost mean this tie could be more competitive than many expect. A cautious approach by the hosts may open the door for goals at both ends.
Prediction Bet: Newcastle Utd to win at 1.67.
Best Bet: Newcastle Utd win & BTTS at 3.10.
