Carabao Cup Semi-Finals Match Previews

by Luke Andrews, 9 January 2024

The excitement in the League Cup escalates as the Carabao Cup reaches its semi-final stage, featuring two-legged matches to decide the finalists at Wembley. Luke Andrews will provide an in-depth analysis of the upcoming games, exploring the potential for underdog victories in a classic ‘David versus Goliath’ scenario. While a Liverpool versus Chelsea final is widely anticipated, Middlesbrough and Fulham are poised to challenge this expectation, proving themselves formidable contenders.

Cup matches often have the air of unpredictability, which can be great news for football betting fans. With a busy fixture schedule, managers will be tapping into their bench strength, yet the intensity ramps up as the semi-finals approach.

In the first of the two-legged semi-finals, Chelsea faces a pivotal match against Championship side Middlesbrough, offering an unpredictable opportunity to redefine their season amidst a significant transition under Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues, having struggled to capitalise against similar opposition this season, find this matchup a crucial test of their progress and a chance to shift focus from their league challenges.

In Wednesday’s game, Liverpool will welcome an in-form Fulham. Their last encounter at Anfield was a spectacular seven-goal affair, with the lead switching three times. Expectations are high for another classic showdown, as both teams appear equally deserving of a spot in the Wembley finals.

Chelsea faces a pivotal match against Championship side Middlesbrough, offering an unpredictable opportunity to redefine their season amidst a significant transition under Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues, having struggled to capitalise against similar opposition this season, find this matchup a crucial test of their progress and a chance to shift focus from their league challenges.

EFL Cup Betting – Middlesbrough Vs Chelsea

Middlesbrough supporters are gearing up for a trio of matches against Premier League teams, which started with their FA Cup clash against Aston Villa. Despite a strong showing, they fell a narrow 1-0 defeat. The fans eagerly look forward to hosting Chelsea at Riverside Stadium for the first leg of the two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final.

The last time Boro clinched silverware was back in 2004, and they will be featuring in their first semi-final since then.

Micheal Carrick will have to motivate his side, especially playing at home, to turn around their recent form of just one win in four games (three defeats). Middlesbrough is a notorious underdog with memories of the 2022 FA Cup action that saw them knockout Tottenham and Manchester United. The encounter against Chelsea means it will be their first test against Premier League opposition since they beat Crystal Palace at home back in 2018.

In such an encounter, they would need all the positives to pull off a surprise win, especially when they have the home advantage and force a draw in the second leg. Club captain Jonathan Howson was on the team when they lost 2-0 to Chelsea in 2022.

✨ Morgan Rogers vs. Coventry City:

6/7 successful dribbles (🥇)
9 touches in opposition box
5 passes into the final third
7/13 ground duels won
2 ball recoveries
3 chances created
2/2 tackles won#boro pic.twitter.com/fzBcmfFObD

— Champ Chat (@TheChampChatPod) January 1, 2024

Morgan Rogers is the tournament’s top scorer with six-goal involvements (four goals and two assists) in five games has been in fine form and could be the key if Middlesbrough is to get anything from this match.

Home team top scorer: Morgan Rogers (four goals) Anytime goal scorer 24/5 & first goal scorer 12/1

Chelsea has been in the form of the season, winning three of their last four games, a run that sees them move to the top half of the table and qualify for the next FA Cup round.

They thumped Championship side Preston 4-0 and would be confident playing another Championship outfit after the dominant performance.

The five-time champions of the Carabao Cup, Chelsea, haven’t clinched the trophy since the 2014-15 season. Mauricio Pochettino, having navigated a period of transition since his return to the helm in London, would be thrilled to add some silverware to the club’s achievements.

A good performance, especially playing away from home, would guarantee another final appearance.

The Blues have lost seven (winning seven, drawing one) games; they headed to the match as favorites this campaign should be a worrying concern. They hope to continue their impressive form against Boro after they overcame them to win both the FA Cup and the League Cup finals in consecutive seasons between 1997 and 1998.

Thiago Silva knows. pic.twitter.com/CEDlJ65Rxd

— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) January 9, 2024

Thiago Silva has been a rock for Chelsea and broke the record for the oldest player to feature in the FA Cup at thirty-nine years old and will as well make the same mark in the EFL Cup.

Away team top scorer: Mykhailo Mudryk (one goal) Anytime goal scorer 11/10 &first goal scorer 5/1

Selected bets: Middlesborough 11/2, Draw 7/2, Chelsea 8/15. Over 2.5 13/20, Under 2.5 11/8. BTTS Yes 13/17, No 6/5.

“Although Chelsea have been hit and miss in the Premier League, their young squad should have too much quality for Middlesbrough, who they have beaten in the last five meetings without conceding a goal. I expect this pattern to continue and I’m backing them to win 0-2, available at 7/1.” – Luke Andrews, Betting Expert – UK Market.

EFL Cup Betting – Liverpool v Fulham

Liverpool has been the best team in England this season, still alive in all the domestic competitions and top of the Premier League table. They responded positively to critics who doubted their progress without Mohammed Salah, destined for international duties with a 2 – 0 win against Arsenal in the FA Cup.

Jurgen Klopp, comfortable with his selection against Arsenal fielding academy players, shouldn’t worry about rotation across the two-legged semi-final against Fulham.

The Reds, the most successful team in the tournament, will be looking to extend their reign to ten accolades. Liverpool is undefeated at Anfield over twenty-three games (nineteen wins, four draws).

Playing the first leg here would be a considerable advantage, and they will hope they can gain a huge advantage heading to the second game. This is a real possibility because the Reds have won twelve of their thirteen home games this campaign by scoring two goals or more.

Another tough battle last night, job done and into the next round ✅ See you Wednesday! pic.twitter.com/v9gQdbTzeB

— Curtis Jones (@curtisjr_10) January 8, 2024

Curtis Jones netted a brace in their quarter-final 5 – 1 thumping of West Ham, extending his record of not losing when he scores for his boyhood club across eleven games (nine wins, two draws).

Home team top scorer: Coady Gakpo (three goals) – Anytime goal scorer 2/1 & first goal scorer 11/2.

Fulham produced one of the classic matches against Liverpool, choosing to be brave and challenging, and came so close to being the first team to hurt them at Anfield. They were ahead by a 3 – 2 scoreline at one point in the match but conceded two late goals to lose 4 – 3.

The Cottagers now have two games to try to end a poor run of nine attempts (two draws, seven defeats) in the EFL Cup against their hosts and hope for silverware this campaign.

They overcame Everton and top-six opposition, Tottenham, to earn a place in the final four; thus, we expect them to give a strong performance.

Fulham will try to forget that they have the record for the heaviest defeat in this tournament against Liverpool, which they suffered a 10-0 loss in 1983 against them. They hope to build upon their impressive form, including a 2-1 win against Arsenal and a 1-0 victory against Rotherham in the FA Cup. However, the semi-finals of the Carabao are unfamiliar as the Cottagers make their first-ever appearance at this stage.

Harry Wilson – 2023/24 so far

– @harrywilson_ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 pic.twitter.com/GunhDaMYvq

— Fulham Vids 🎥 (@fulhamvids) January 6, 2024

Harry Wilson was on target in their earlier encounter against his former side. The Welsh international has fifteen of his twenty-one goals coming away from home, which could be a significant factor, especially playing at Anfield.

Away team top scorer: Tom Cairney (one goal) – Anytime goal scorer 10/1 & first goal scorer 28/1

Selected bets: Liverpool 4/11, Draw 19/4, Fulham 15/2. Over 2.5 13/25, Under 2.5 17/10. BTTS: No 13/16, Yes 23/20.

On paper, the upcoming matches seem set for a Liverpool vs Chelsea showdown, which many would consider an ideal final. However, it’s important not to underestimate Fulham and Middlesbrough. Both teams have rightfully earned their spots in the semi-finals, and with the advantage of playing at home, they have a tangible opportunity to make the most of these crucial encounters.

Chelsea will be under significant pressure as they start their campaign on the road, yet they can draw confidence from their attack, which recently netted four goals against Preston. Meanwhile, Liverpool, as the record holders of the Carabao Cup, will feel assured, particularly with the advantage of beginning the two-legged tie at home. This is the same side they narrowly defeated 4-3 at Anfield. All signs point towards a Liverpool vs Chelsea final.

All stats are taken from SoccerSTATS.com and WhoScored.com, and the odds are from bet365 and are correct at the time of writing but can fluctuate, especially in play.

All tips are provided as entertainment only; the author’s opinion should not be considered financial guidance. Always bet responsibly; if you need help with problem gambling, you can find organisations that offer support in this page’s footer.