EFL Cup
Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Predictions & Betting Tips (2025/26)
We’re into the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 EFL Cup and our tipster is here with his best bets on three EFL Cup matches in the battle to reach the last four stage.
Cardiff City host Chelsea on Tuesday evening while fans can tuck into two all-Premier League clashes on Wednesday night. Brentford make the trip to Manchester City while Newcastle United welcome Fulham to St James’s Park.
The EFL Cup tie between Arsenal and Crystal Palace has been scheduled for 23rd December, and that fixture will conclude the quarter-final round of this year’s competition.
Without further ado, it’s time to preview this week’s Carabao Cup quarter-final clashes, starting with Tuesday’s fixture in south Wales.
Cardiff City vs Chelsea
Cardiff are huge underdogs for the visit of Premier League giants Chelsea but the Bluebirds will be buoyed by a sell-out crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Currently leading the way at the top of the League 1 table, Cardiff have been scoring goals for fun but the Welsh side have shipped five goals in their previous two home matches and Chelsea will take confidence from that.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table and Enzo Maresca is expected to make plenty of changes for this contest. On the road, the Blues have been pretty solid in recent fixtures and they’ve kept a clean sheet in two of their last four away matches.
I’m expecting Cardiff to show plenty of grit and endeavour but class should get Chelsea through. The visitors to win by two or more goals looks a nice price in the latest betting odds for the contest.
Cardiff vs Chelsea prediction: Chelsea to win by 2 or more goals (21/20)
Manchester City vs Brentford
Man City have hit top gear in recent weeks, putting together a five-game winning run across all competitions. In addition, Pep Guardiola’s side have found their shooting boots in front of goal, scoring 16 goals in their last five competitive fixtures.
Erling Haaland has been on fire this season and he looks a shoo-in to win the Premier League Golden Boot award but it’s yet to be seen if he starts on Wednesday night or if Guardiola will give the Norway international a rest.
Brentford have been inconsistent throughout the early stages of the campaign and their xG away from home is a measly 1.20 – with City’s home figures suggesting a clear and convincing win for the Premier League giants.
Throw in the fact that City have an excellent record in head-to-head matches against Brentford and all signs point towards a home win. I’m backing Brentford to score though as City have kept a clean sheet in just two of their last seven matches in all competitions.
Man City vs Brentford prediction: Man City to win & both teams to score (9/5)
Newcastle United vs Fulham
Newcastle were poor in the Tyne-Wear derby at the weekend but a return to St James’s Park should see the Magpies get the job done against Fulham. The Magpies are a different beast on home soil and they’ll be tough to beat in this fixture.
While Dan Burn has been ruled out through injury, Newcastle have plenty of options to cover and Eddie Howe is likely to name a strong side as the club bid to retain their EFL Cup trophy after winning last season’s competition.
Meanwhile, Fulham have been involved in some high scoring fixtures of late and the Cottagers are a popular pick in both teams to score markets this season. Having clinched a 3-2 victory over Burnley on Saturday, confidence is high in camp and they’ll be quietly hopeful of causing an upset.
Goals look likely in this encounter and plenty will fancy a home win and both teams to score. Just in case Newcastle bring their A-game at the back, I’m siding with a home win and two or more goals in the contest as my selection.
Newcastle vs Fulham prediction: Newcastle to win & two or more goals in the match (21/20)
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
