The EFL Cup is about to end, but before that, we have to make sure we witness it entirely. The past EFL games are the ones that have set the tone for the upcoming Leg 1 Semi-Finals. But that is not the only thing we will focus on in this article. Here, we are going to give you the clearest analysis with the most concise predictions, all to help you make better sports bets. To know more about sports betting and betting insights, follow Betting Premier.
Now, let’s not wait and get into the world of EFL. This EFL Cup ending is going to be more intense than ever. If this goes in one way, Leg 2 is going to be even more exciting. The EFL Cup fans are already buzzing and waiting for more drama. Expect a fast-paced game in both matchups. Witness the EFL Cup game without missing out. Click here to know more about the EFL Cup and Football Predictions.
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Quarter Finals Review
The quarter-finals are the sole reason we will witness the elite game in this Leg 1. The previous games between Cardiff City vs Chelsea and Man City vs Brentford have caught the attention of the fans. Meanwhile, the Newcastle vs Fulham and the Arsenal vs Crystal Palace are even faster and more tactical. The past games are fast, but they left a huge impact on the Leg 1 matchups. Their performance in the Quarter Finals is proof that the upcoming Leg 1 is going to be even better. For more EFL Cup predictions and Carabao Cup news, follow Betting Premier.
The Cardiff City vs. Chelsea ended at 1-3, with Chelsea winning. Alejandro Garnacho scored 2 goals, and Pedro Neto scored another; these goals gave them the momentum to defend against Cardiff City. Man City vs Brentford ended at 2-0. Man City’s performance was purely tactical, and their keeping the clean sheet was another impressive display. The Newcastle vs Fulham ended at 2-1, with Newcastle winning. Arsenal vs Crystal Palace ended in a penalty shootout, with Arsenal scoring more and winning 8-7.
What to expect in this upcoming EFL Cup
Expect a slow start in the Chelsea vs Arsenal. Chelsea has been pretty inconsistent, and their performance in the EFL Cup is the one keeping their momentum going. Chelsea’s previous games have been slow, and most have ended in draws or losses. Meanwhile, Arsenal could be fast and more tactical. Their last quarter-final performance suggests they are in prime form; defeating them will clearly be competitive in the first leg.
Expect a fast game from the Arsenal; their defense could be a bit shaky, but their offensive pressure is unmatched. Newcastle won against Fulham in another great performance, but they also dropped another game. They are also on a 3-game win streak. They are expected to dominate the game in the end. Manchester City have been slow but consistent, winning several games recently. Expect both fast- and slow-paced games, with a pinch of tactical moves by the Arsenal.
Newcastle
Newcastle faced Bradford City in the third round, winning the game by scoring a solid 4 goals. Then they performed aggressively in the fourth round too, scoring 2 goals against Tottenham. They have kept winning game after game, showing no signs of slowing down in the series. The last game against Fulham showed they stayed resilient and managed to edge the score in the end. Overall, Newcastle’s performance in this EFL Cup is stable and more consistent.
Man City
Man City faced Huddersfield in the third round, scored 2 goals, and kept a clean sheet throughout the game. Then came another game against Swansea, which ended in another win for Man City. This game is where they have set the momentum for themselves. Facing Brentford was even easier for Man City, who won the game by scoring 2 goals in the quarter finals. They haven’t lost a game recently, and their recent form looks quite good too. Therefore, their path was both more dominant and faster.
Chelsea
In the third round, Chelsea faced Lincoln City and scored 2 goals. Even though the entire game was controlled by Lincoln City, Chelsea somehow scored 2 goals in quick succession. The fourth-round game against the Wolves was the one that felt competitive; this was an absolute goal fest, with both teams scoring multiple clean goals. Chelsea finally scored another goal to take a 1 -0 lead and secure the win. Then the win against Cardiff City in the quarter-finals added more confidence for them. Overall, the Chelsea performance was mostly resilient and did not slow down in the game.
Arsenal
Arsenal vs Port Vale in the third round was impressive; Arsenal didn’t hold back, and a goal was secured within 10 minutes of the game. This has turned the entire fan base more focused on Arsenal’s performance, and then came another goal late in the game, and they won. The clash against Brighton ended at 2-0, with Arsenal winning. They also secured the win in the quarter-final game against Crystal Palace. Their overall performance is fast and aggressive; they lack a strategy and have greater flexibility in taking control of the game. Their upcoming EFL Cup game could be better.
Injury updates
Newcastle
Newcastle injuries are less, and their performance in the upcoming game will not be impacted, but a slight slowdown in the offensive side might take place due to the missing player William Osula, injured in the ankle and expected return for the game is still not confirmed, Max Dowman, injured in the ankle, still hasn’t recovered, and expected return is undisclosed. Riccardo Calafiori is suffering from a muscle injury, and his expected return for the upcoming game is not yet confirmed.
Man City
Man City does have a few players out for the game due to injuries, including Mateo Kovacic (Ankle Injury), Josko Gvardiol (Broken Tibia), Rúben Dias (Hamstring Injury), John Stones (Thigh Problems), and Oscar Bobb (Hamstring Injury). None of these players is expected to be featured in the upcoming game; a few of them are returning in March, February, and June. Their performance in the upcoming EFL Cup game could be significantly affected by these injuries.
Chelsea
Chelsea has a small number of injuries recently. Levi Colwill (Crucial Ligament Tear), Dário Essugo (Surgery), Roméo Lavia (Muscle Strain), and Wesley Fofana (Fever) are all injured and won’t be returning to the game. Wesley Fofana’s expected return is before the game, but his return hasn’t confirmed. Don’t expect strong defenses from Chelsea. Some of the injuries could affect the defense line in the upcoming EFL Cup game. But their offensive game could be the same as before. Against Arsenal, it’s going to be competitive for them.
Arsenal
Arsenal has low injuries, including Cristhian Mosquera (Ankle Injury), Max Dowman (Ankle Injury), and Riccardo Calafiori (Muscle Injury). The expected return for Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori is due before the game, yet their presence hasn’t been confirmed. There will not be any slow performance at all. Expect normal gameplay from the Arsenal, faster, and the momentum of their game won’t be impacted much, and they do have a lot of possibilities to secure the upcoming EFL Cup win.
Predictions
Newcastle vs Man City
This game will take place on January 13 at St. James’ Park. Newcastle vs Man City is going to be an intense rivalry due to the skill of both teams; they have significant advantages that might make this game even more competitive. But Man City’s performance over the season looks more aggressive and faster than Newcastle’s. From Newcastle, expect a slow and steady performance in the beginning, but on the other side, Man City is going to push harder and pressure more in the beginning. Manchester City is expected to win the upcoming EFL Cup game.
Chelsea vs Arsenal
This Leg 1 matchup will take place on January 14th at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is more resilient and stable, while Arsenal is faster; their offensive strength right now is too strong. If Chelsea manages to defend their attacks, they could stay resilient for a bit longer to make an attack at the end of the game. Overall, Arsenal’s performance is far better, and their form is more promising than Chelsea’s. Chelsea’s pace is not going to help them win the first leg. Expect the Arsenal to secure the victory in the upcoming EFL Cup game.