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  2. Football Predictions
  3. Carabao Cup

England League Cup

Robin Cohen
League Cup tips by:
Robin Cohen
  • Matches

    • Fixtures League Cup

    Predictions
    FT19:4506 AugBristol CityWalsall 01
    Over 2.5 Goals
    1.67
    Nostrabet's Analysis

    Bristol City commences the new season with renewed hopes, now under the management of Michael Skubala. The campaign for the "red and whites" begins earlier with a playoff clash against Walsall.

    The visitors are from League 2

    Walsall competes in the fourth tier of English football and is not considered one of the stronger teams, based on last season's performance. There is limited information available regarding both teams, so any bet placed will be somewhat speculative. This approach can certainly lead to mistakes, but a prediction will be offered nonetheless, and it remains to be seen if it can come to fruition.

    Bet on over 2.5 goals

    At Ashton Gate, it is anticipated that both teams will have opportunities to score, which raises the possibility of a higher goal tally.

    FT19:4507 AugWycombeStevenage 12
    1
    2.23
    X
    3.39
    2
    3.30
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT19:4507 AugWolvesPort Vale 30
    1
    1.25
    X
    7.50
    2
    13.80
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT20:0007 AugMiddlesbroughWrexham 10
    Anytime goal scorer: David Strelec
    2.40
    Nostrabet's Analysis

    Middlesbrough and Wrexham are embarking on a new season, hoping to be involved in the battle for a place in the Premier League next year. However, before that, they face off in a League Cup match.

    Will there be goals?

    As this is the first official encounter for both teams, it is challenging to predict their current form. However, the match is unlikely to carry too much pressure, considering that this tournament is not a priority for either side. From this perspective, it is reasonable to expect at least one goal in each net. As for the final result, it is difficult to make any predictions, as there is uncertainty regarding the teams' conditions and the line-ups they will field.

    Bet on both teams to score

    The inclination is towards a goal exchange.

    FT13:0008 AugCambridge UnitedBarnet 21
    1
    1.83
    X
    3.75
    2
    4.35
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    PEN14:0008 AugQPRMillwall 02
    1
    3.02
    X
    3.50
    2
    2.27
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugFleetwood TownChesterfield 10
    1
    3.00
    X
    3.40
    2
    2.40
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugDerbyLincoln 12
    1
    2.05
    X
    3.92
    2
    3.40
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugCreweAccrington ST 21
    1
    1.83
    X
    3.80
    2
    4.20
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugCardiffSwindon Town 32
    1
    1.33
    X
    5.50
    2
    8.70
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugBurton AlbionBlackburn 12
    1
    3.05
    X
    3.37
    2
    2.32
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    PEN15:0008 AugBurnleyNotts County 43
    1
    1.52
    X
    4.33
    2
    7.00
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    PEN15:0008 AugBromleyReading 45
    1
    2.26
    X
    3.50
    2
    3.20
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugBristol RoversPeterborough 01
    1
    2.42
    X
    3.60
    2
    2.80
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    PEN15:0008 AugBarnsleyWigan 65
    1
    2.45
    X
    3.57
    2
    2.75
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    PEN15:0008 AugAFC WimbledonNewport County 54
    1
    1.70
    X
    4.16
    2
    5.00
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugGillinghamLuton 03
    1
    5.01
    X
    3.84
    2
    1.72
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugWatfordCrawley Town 10
    Under 3.5 Goals
    1.62
    Nostrabet's Analysis

    Watford has commenced another season with renewed hopes, even though it remains uncertain whether the team is truly ready for serious challenges. They are set to host Crawley Town in the League Cup.

    Fourth Division Opponent

    Crawley is certainly not a formidable opponent, as they will once again compete in League 2 this season, which is the fourth tier of football in England. Watford is expected to be the clear favourite in this match, although one can never be certain in such encounters. There is insufficient information about both teams to make any solid predictions, making it difficult to ascertain how the match will unfold. A conservative approach will be taken nonetheless.

    Bet on under 3.5 goals

    The higher under is the preferred option here.

    FT15:0008 AugBradfordRochdale 20
    1
    1.57
    X
    4.33
    2
    6.00
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugWest HamPortsmouth 31
    1
    1.55
    X
    4.50
    2
    5.70
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugSwanseaBirmingham 01
    1
    3.00
    X
    3.50
    2
    2.34
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugStoke CityOldham 20
    1
    1.42
    X
    5.25
    2
    7.00
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    PEN15:0008 AugStockport CountyDoncaster 45
    1
    1.70
    X
    4.07
    2
    5.00
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugSheffield WednesdayBolton 10
    1
    3.20
    X
    3.80
    2
    2.11
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    PEN15:0008 AugSalford CityShrewsbury 34
    1
    1.53
    X
    4.20
    2
    6.50
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    PEN15:0008 AugPrestonHuddersfield 43
    1
    2.26
    X
    3.73
    2
    3.00
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugNorwichMilton Keynes Dons 41
    1
    1.57
    X
    4.51
    2
    5.50
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugLeyton OrientOxford United 20
    1
    2.80
    X
    3.50
    2
    2.52
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugLeicesterNorthampton 10
    1
    1.28
    X
    6.00
    2
    11.25
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT15:0008 AugGrimsbyBlackpool 13
    1
    2.40
    X
    3.60
    2
    2.90
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT17:3008 AugRotherhamWest Brom 14
    1
    6.06
    X
    4.40
    2
    1.52
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT17:3008 AugCheltenhamCharlton 13
    1
    5.25
    X
    4.08
    2
    1.66
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT17:3008 AugColchesterSouthampton 02
    1
    9.00
    X
    5.75
    2
    1.35
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT16:0009 AugMansfield TownSheffield Utd 03
    1
    4.00
    X
    3.81
    2
    1.91
    Nostrabet's Analysis
    FT20:0010 AugPlymouthExeter City 20
    1
    1.42
    X
    4.89
    2
    7.32
    Nostrabet's Analysis

    The Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) is the least prestigious domestic silverware up for grabs in English football. However, the competition will still be taken very seriously once the early rounds have been completed. It can be unpredictable, hugely exciting and great fun to bet on.

    Our football betting experts have considered all the angles and crunched all the data. They have then compared the best bookies to bring you excellent value. Read on for our football predictions and Carabao Cup betting tips.

    Article Content

    EFL Cup History and Format

    Behind the Premier League and FA Cup, the EFL Cup (it is also known as the League Cup, and Carabao is the current sponsor) is the most important competition in English football. As the name implies, it features teams from the EFL. Consequently, 92 clubs take part each year.

    There is sometimes a preliminary round before the 68 teams from the Championship, League One and League Two enter the first round properly. In the second round, Premier League clubs not involved in European action enter the fray. Last, the Premier League sides who are playing in Europe join the Carabao Cup at the third-round stage.

    The format of the Carabao Cup is simple. It is a straight knockout competition with seven rounds, including the final. However, no preliminary rounds are included. There is a draw for each round, which determines who plays who and has home advantage.

    The semi-finals are held over two legs, home and away, while the final is a one-off game at Wembley. The winners lift the cup and also earn a place in next season’s Europa League. Indeed, European qualification helps bring extra prestige to the competition. That said, the Carabao Cup is often won by a club that has already qualified for the Champions League.

    First Trophy Up for Grabs

    The competition runs from August through to February or March. Consequently, the Carabao Cup is the first piece of silverware up for grabs each season. It was first played back in the 1960/61 season, and is now an established part of the football landscape. It attracts big crowds, both live and on television, and it frequently throws up exciting, unpredictable clashes.

    Part of the reason for this, and also part of the appeal of the EFL Cup, is that many big clubs give exciting youngsters an opportunity. Particularly in the early rounds, managers opt to rest stars and blood their best academy prospects. Over the years, many top stars have made their debuts in the League Cup.

    Key Dates

    The draws for the preliminary round and first round were made on the 26th of June 2025. On the 29th of July, Newport County advanced to the first round. Next, on the 5th of August, Accrington Stanley followed them.

    The first round takes place on the 12th and 13th of August. Most PL teams join on the week commencing the 25th of August for the second round. The quarters take place in mid-December and the semis in January and February. The final itself will be on the 22nd of March 2026.

    EFL Cup Previous Winners

    Liverpool is the most successful side in the history of the EFL Cup. Indeed, they have won it 10 times. Manchester City are next with eight, then Manchester United (six), while Chelsea and Aston Villa have five victories each. The last 10 champions are:

    • 2025 – Newcastle
    • 2024 – Liverpool
    • 2023 – Man United
    • 2022 – Liverpool
    • 2021 – Man City
    • 2020 – Man City
    • 2019 – Man City
    • 2018 – Man City
    • 2017 – Man United
    • 2016 – Man City

    When does Nostrabet release its Carabao Cup Predictions?

    We release our Carabao Cup predictions 48-72 hours before each game. Generally, midweek Carabao Cup betting tips are published on Monday. Our experts believe it is vital to get the balance right regarding when picks are made. The predictions must be released early enough to allow punters to back them and get the value. However, not too early that they might miss vital team news and other developments.

    Popular betting markets for the Carabao Cup

    Whether you think you will know who will win the Carabao Cup, or just want to make a bet on a particular tie, there are lots of EFL Cup betting options open to you. All our preferred football betting sites have a wide range of League Cup markets. Here are some of the most popular:

    Carabao Cup accumulator bets

    Selecting an ACCA through each round of the Carabao Cup is a great way to make the competition even more exciting. Try to predict the winner of some – or even all – of the games in the round and you could win big!

    Carabao Cup winner bets

    Carabao Cup outright winner betting is hugely popular. Will we see another surprise, or will one of the North West giants win the EFL Cup yet again?

    Carabao Cup top goalscorer bets

    Think you know who will be the top goalscorer in the Carabao Cup? Have a bet on the EFL Cup golden boot/top scorer. You could land a winner at attractive odds.

    Carabao Cup ‘To go through’ by penalty shootouts bets

    Most rounds of the Carabao Cup do not have extra time. Therefore, if the game is level after 90 minutes, it goes straight to a penalty shootout. Backing a side to progress in this way is an incredibly tense and exciting bet – if you call it right!

    Carabao Cup player props bets

    Our Carabao Cup predictions today generally feature a range of different markets. That includes player prop bets. Proposition bets are often part of bet builders and might include a specific player to score, assist and be booked.

    How to Bet on the Carabao Cup Games

    If you want to bet on our Carabao Cup predictions this weekend, you are in the right place. Our expert bookmaker reviews can help you find the best sites to bet with. Moreover, our EFL Cup tips give you ideas about what EFL wagers to make.

    Assuming you are 18+, gambling can be a lot of fun. However, you should always bet responsibly and within your means. Additionally, you should be aware that even the best tips are not certain to win.

    You should do your own research, looking for bets that represent good value. Our experts provide betting tips and advice across all competitions, not just the EFL Cup. These are excellent starting points, but it is vital that you understand the markets and sports on which you decide to bet.

    Best bookmakers for Betting on the Carabao Cup

    At Nostrabet, we only work with highly trusted football betting sites. You could use any of these to back our Carabao Cup predictions or your own picks. This tournament is fun, exciting and at times very unpredictable. Call things right, and you could well find a winner at a really nice price.

    To bet on the Carabao Cup, we particularly recommend the following sites. Indeed, all three are among the very, very best football bookies in the world:

    • bet365
    • Betway
    • Betfred

    FAQ

    Who won the 2024/25 Carabao Cup?

    Newcastle United beat Liverpool 2-1 in the final.

    How many teams play in the EFL Cup?

    All 92 teams in the top four divisions of English football compete in the EFL Cup.

    Where can I watch the Carabao Cup?

    UK viewers can watch the Carabao Cup on Sky Sports, including every single game in the first round. Additionally, 10 games during the 2025/26 competition are also available to view on ITV.

    When do top Premier League teams enter the Carabao Cup?

    The 11 teams not playing in Europe enter at the second round stage. That takes place towards the end of August. The other nine EPL clubs follow in the third round, in mid-September.

    Do teams field full-strength squads in the Carabao Cup?

    Generally, clubs field somewhat weaker teams and squads in the earlier rounds. However, that is not always the case. Moreover, once the trophy gets closer, from about the last eight onwards, many managers choose a full-strength squad.

    Is betting on penalty shootouts common in the Carabao Cup?

    Millions of people bet on the Carabao Cup. Bets span a wide selection of markets, and that includes various penalty shootout wagers. You can go back a game to go to penalties, a particular team to win in a shootout, and more.