It’s the first trophy of the year, and it’s a big one! The League Cup final is just around the corner and it’s time for the semi-final second legs. Could we still see an upset in this one? Middlesbrough come into the second leg with the advantage. In the other semi-final, Liverpool arrive at Craven Cottage with a slim lead. Ray Parlour lifted this trophy back in 1993; we sat down with our new signing to get his thoughts on who could go all the way this year. Let’s have a look at how each team stacks up and who could end up lifting the famous trophy at Wembley!
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Chelsea vs Middlesbrough
The first semi-final comes from Stamford Bridge. In the first leg, the Blues, led by Cole Palmer, missed numerous opportunities, allowing Hayden Hackney to calmly slot in the only goal past Djordje Petrovic. While Middlesbrough might have their eyes set on Championship promotion, Chelsea can’t afford to underestimate the significance of England’s secondary cup competition.
Mauricio Pochettino’s high-profile squad find themselves trailing 12 points behind the Premier League’s top four, and with no European football to provide a welcome distraction this season. We asked Ray if an upset could be on the cards:
“Absolutely. The reason is that you never know what Chelsea is going to turn up. Middlesbrough did well to win the first leg, but Chelsea had plenty of chances to win.
Michael Carrick is doing a good job at Middlesbrough and they do have the potential to put in a performance like they did against Chelsea, albeit, with a bit of luck.
Should Chelsea create the chances they did against Middlesbrough then they can certainly progress. Converting chances will be key for them as Palmer, Sterling, and co. will need their shooting boots on to steer Chelsea to Wembley. With home advantage, I can see Chelsea getting back the one-goal deficit.
Michael Carrick is doing a good job at Middlesbrough. The dream is the Premier League and last year they went close but fell to Coventry in the play-offs. Afobe is a big loss for them and although they haven’t fully replaced his firepower, goals are coming from all over the pitch, so more players need to stand up and put the ball in the back of the net.”
Liverpool vs Fulham
The Cottagers once again injected drama at Anfield in the reverse fixture, seizing a 1-0 half-time lead. However, Liverpool’s resilience surfaced with two goals in a captivating three-minute second-half spree, ultimately turning the tide in their favour. Fulham, however, remain firmly in contention as they approach the crucial second leg.
Jurgen Klopp’s title-chasing side showcased their prowess with a fifth consecutive victory on Sunday, orchestrating a clinical second-half display that resulted in a resounding 4-0 triumph at Bournemouth. This victory not only solidified Liverpool’s standing but also reinstated a comfortable five-point lead at the summit of the Premier League.
In contrast, Fulham have been on a brief hiatus since their narrow 1-0 defeat in a West London derby against Chelsea on January 13th. Rested and rejuvenated, they enter the second leg with a fervent determination to secure a historic berth in their maiden League Cup final.
The stage is set for a riveting clash, where the echoes of Anfield’s theatrics resonate, and the anticipation of Fulham’s resurgence adds an extra layer of intrigue. Wednesday night promises to be a footballing spectacle, here’s what Ray had to say:
“I hope Middlesbrough and Fulham make it through to Wembley to make it a new name on the trophy and one of these sides will get to head to Europe next season. Fulham are doing well under Marco Silva and with Mitrovic leaving, they have still managed to compete well.
Liverpool take a one-goal lead to Fulham and I can’t see Fulham overturning this and winning by two goals. Liverpool have too much qualify and will do enough to get through, so I know it’s boring but a Chelsea vs Liverpool final.”
EFL Cup Semi-Final Betting Tips
Expectedly, both Chelsea and Liverpool find themselves outright favourites to go on and lift the trophy, with Liverpool at 1.50 and Chelsea at 3.25. Fulham are next with a solid 13.00 but have the tougher task of getting past the in-form Liverpool side. Middlebrough are the outsiders at 15.00; could they make history?
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough Bet Builder: Chelsea to win, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.63
Chelsea are rightly favourites, and as we come into the second leg, with a lead to overturn, you’d expect there to be goals as both sides go for it.
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough: Cole Palmer to score anytime @ 4.80
Palmer has been Chelsea’s best and most poignant attacking threat this season and will want to carry that on. He’ll be frustrated after missing multiple good chances, but has the quality to put them away this time around.
Fulham vs Liverpool Bet Builder: Liverpool to win, both teams to score and Diogo Jota to score anytime @ 7.00
It’s a Liverpool side that seems to be back to their very best. Defensively they look really solid so expect them to win this and keep a clean sheet.
*Odds subject to change.
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