EFL Cup 2024/25 Last-16: Match Previews, Predictions, Players & Betting Odds

Last updated: October 28, 2024 by Leon Marshall

A football player in blue kit dribbling a ball on a brightly lit stadium field, with a crowd visible in the background. The Carabao Cup logo, featuring a bull's head, is prominently displayed on the right, representing the EFL Cup competition.

As the EFL Cup reaches its last-16 stage, teams from the Premier League and beyond are preparing for another exciting round of fixtures. Several top-flight teams, including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal, are in action, with key matchups to look out for. The tie between Tottenham and Manchester City is undoubtedly one of the standouts, while Preston North End will be eager to cause an upset against Arsenal.

This round promises to deliver more drama and excitement, with teams fighting for a place in the quarter-finals. Can Brighton & Hove Albion shock Liverpool at home, and will Leicester City be able to handle Manchester United’s resurgence? Here’s a breakdown of the matches to watch:

2024/25 EFL Cup Betting – Brighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool

Date: Wednesday, 30th October 2024 Kickoff: 19:30

Prediction: Liverpool Win

Odds: Liverpool to win at 6/4, Brighton to win at 2/1, the draw at 5/2

Match Preview

Liverpool travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion in what promises to be an exciting EFL Cup last-16 clash. Both teams have had impressive starts to their Premier League campaigns, with Liverpool sitting 2nd in the table and Brighton in 6th. This match comes hot on the heels of their recent league encounters, where both teams have shown strong form.

Liverpool come into this fixture after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League, while Brighton also shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Wolves. Historically, these teams have been evenly matched, with two wins each and two draws in their last six meetings across all competitions.

Brighton’s Form:

Brighton’s recent form has been strong, with crucial wins against Tottenham (3-2) and Newcastle (1-0). However, their defence has been shaky, conceding two goals in their last two league matches against Chelsea and Wolves.

Liverpool’s Form:

Liverpool have been in fine form this season, unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions. Their defensive resilience and Mohamed Salah’s consistent goal-scoring have kept them in contention on all fronts.

Players to Watch

Brighton:

Danny Welbeck – The experienced forward has been in excellent form this season, scoring six goals and registering one assist in nine appearances. Welbeck has found the net in each of Brighton’s last two matches following their 3-2 win over Tottenham, highlighting his consistency in front of goal. Priced at 7/1 to score first and 5/2 anytime, Welbeck will be a key figure in Brighton’s attack.

Liverpool:

Mohamed Salah – Salah has been a standout performer for Liverpool this season with six goals and five assists in nine Premier League appearances. His goal-scoring exploits include a brace in the 3-0 victory over Bournemouth and a goal in the 2-1 win against Chelsea. Salah is 5/1 to score first and 11/8 anytime, and with his ability to deliver on big occasions, he is expected to play a crucial role once again.

Betting Tip

Liverpool to Win Odds: 6/4

Reasoning: Liverpool are on a strong unbeaten run, and despite Brighton’s solid form, Liverpool’s side has the firepower to edge out this contest. Brighton’s defence has been vulnerable, and with Salah leading the charge, Liverpool are the favourites to progress.

2024/25 EFL Cup Betting – Manchester United vs Leicester City

Date: Wednesday, 30th October 2024 Kickoff: 19:45

Prediction: Manchester United to Win Odds: Manchester United to win at 8/13, Leicester to win at 9/2, the draw at 3/1

bet365 Manchester United to Win: at 8/13 VISIT SITE!

Match Preview

Manchester United host Leicester City in the EFL Cup last-16 at Old Trafford, with both sides looking to reach the quarter-finals. United have had a mixed start to their Premier League campaign and will view this cup competition as an opportunity to gain momentum after their recent 2-1 loss to West Ham. A loss that has seen Erik ten Hag lose his job at Manchester United, with club legend Ruud Van Nistleroy taking over managerial duties.

Meanwhile, Leicester hopes to bounce back after a 1-3 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League but has shown resilience in cup competitions this season.

United hold the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of their last six encounters with Leicester, including a 3-0 victory in February 2023. Leicester, however, are capable of springing surprises and will look to capitalise on any defensive lapses from the Red Devils.

Manchester United’s Form:

After a tough run of results in the Premier League, United will be eager to use this cup match to turn their fortunes around. A recent 2-1 victory over Brentford showed signs of improvement, but their struggles were highlighted in a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

Leicester’s Form:

Leicester’s season has been inconsistent, but they have delivered solid performances in the EFL Cup, having eliminated Walsall on penalties in the previous round. Their recent league form, however, has been shaky, including losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, despite an impressive 3-2 victory over Southampton.

Players to Watch

Manchester United:

Alejandro Garnacho – The young winger has been one of Manchester United’s bright sparks this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the League Cup. Garnacho performed in United’s 7-0 win over Barnsley, where he registered two goals. His pace and ability to cut inside make him a constant threat. Priced at 5/1 to score first and 13/8 to score anytime, Garnacho will be crucial in United’s attack.

Leicester City:

Jamie Vardy – Despite Leicester’s inconsistency, Vardy remains a key figure, having scored four goals this season. He netted in the 3-2 win over Southampton and has been a reliable presence up front. Known for his ability to capitalise on defensive errors, Vardy is priced at 6/1 to score first and 2/1 anytime. His experience and instinct will be vital in Leicester’s bid to progress.

Betting Tip

Manchester United to Win Odds: 8/13

Reasoning: Despite their mixed form, Manchester United have the quality and home advantage to see off a struggling Leicester side. United’s defensive frailties have been exposed, but Leicester’s recent poor form makes United the favourites to progress to the next round. United could also benefit from a new manager bounce after the sacking of Erik ten Hag.

2024/25 EFL Cup Betting – Newcastle United vs Chelsea

Date: Wednesday, 30th October 2024 Kickoff: 19:45

Prediction: Chelsea to Win Odds: Chelsea to win at 2/1, Newcastle to win at 6/4, the draw at 12/5

Match Preview

Newcastle United host Chelsea in this intriguing EFL Cup last-16 tie, just days after their Premier League clash, which ended in a 2-1 win for Chelsea. This cup fixture provides both teams with a chance to progress further, with Newcastle aiming to bounce back from their recent struggles and Chelsea looking to build on their positive momentum in both league and cup competitions.

Newcastle have been inconsistent this season, recently suffering back-to-back Premier League losses to Brighton and Chelsea. Chelsea, meanwhile, have won four of their last five games, including a 2-1 victory over Newcastle in their previous outing. Historically, Chelsea have the edge, winning three of their last six meetings with Newcastle.

Newcastle’s Form:

Newcastle’s form has been shaky, with only one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup shows they can grind out results, but they have struggled in the Premier League, most recently losing to Chelsea and Brighton.

Chelsea’s Form:

Chelsea have been in excellent form recently, winning four of their last five games in all competitions, including a 4-2 win over Brighton in the Premier League and a 4-1 win over Panathinaikos in the Conference League. Their form has been driven by key performances from attacking players like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.

Players to Watch

Newcastle:

Harvey Barnes – Barnes has been one of Newcastle’s most productive players this season, contributing three goals and one assist in 11 appearances. He was key in Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier in the season and will need to deliver against Chelsea’s strong defence. Barnes is priced at 6/1 to score first and 2/1 anytime.

Chelsea:

Cole Palmer – Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea this season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in nine Premier League appearances. His ability to create chances and score from midfield makes him a key player for Chelsea’s attacking setup. Palmer is priced at 5/1 to score first and 6/4 anytime.

Betting Tip

Chelsea to Win Odds: 2/1

Reasoning: Chelsea are in better form than Newcastle and have already beaten them in the league just days before this cup tie. With players like Cole Palmer in great form, Chelsea are well-positioned to progress to the quarter-finals.

2024/25 EFL Cup Betting – Preston North End vs Arsenal

Date: Wednesday, 30th October 2024 Kickoff: 19:45

Prediction: Arsenal to Win Odds: Arsenal to win at 2/5, Preston to win at 8/1, the draw at 7/2

Match Preview

Arsenal travel to Deepdale to face Championship side Preston North End in the EFL Cup last-16. Arsenal are heavy favourites, having performed well in both the Premier League and Champions League. Preston, however, will be eager to cause an upset, building on a solid start to their Championship season.

The last time these two sides met was in the FA Cup in 2017, where Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory. This match promises to be a test of Preston’s defensive capabilities as they face an Arsenal side that has been scoring freely in recent weeks.

Preston’s Form:

Preston has shown resilience in the Championship, with critical results such as a 3-0 win over Watford and a recent 3-3 draw with Plymouth. They have struggled for consistency, but with a home crowd backing them, Preston will be aiming to push Arsenal to their limits.

Arsenal’s Form:

Arsenal have been in excellent form in all competitions, most recently drawing 2-2 with Liverpool in the Premier League. Prior to that, they enjoyed a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Arsenal’s quality in depth should see them control this tie, even if Mikel Arteta opts for rotation.

Players to Watch

Preston North End:

Emil Riis – The Danish forward has been a vital player for Preston this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists in the Championship. His physical presence and ability to hold the ball up will be crucial against Arsenal’s defence. Riis is priced at 8/1 to score first and 9/4 anytime.

Arsenal:

Bukayo Saka – Saka has been a standout performer for Arsenal, contributing three goals and seven assists this season. He has been involved in crucial moments, including Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Bolton in the previous EFL Cup round. Saka is priced at 7/2 to score first and 11/8 anytime.

Betting Tip

Arsenal to Win Odds: 2/5

Reasoning: Arsenal’s superior quality and recent form make them strong favourites to win this match. While Preston will be motivated by the home crowd, Arsenal’s firepower should be enough to see them progress comfortably to the quarter-finals.

2024/25 EFL Cup Betting – Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

Date: Wednesday, 30th October 2024 Kickoff: 20:15

Prediction: Manchester City to Win Odds: Manchester City to win at 6/4, Tottenham to win at 2/1, the draw at 13/5

Match Preview

Tottenham face Manchester City at home in a thrilling EFL Cup last-16 clash. Manchester City are riding high after a series of strong performances in both the Premier League and Champions League, while Tottenham have been inconsistent, suffering a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in their most recent Premier League game.

Manchester City won three in their last six meetings, and Tottenham won two, with one draw. Their previous encounter saw City claim a 2-0 victory over Spurs in May 2024, and they will be looking for a repeat of that result.

Tottenham’s Form:

Tottenham’s form has been patchy, winning only two of their last five matches. A 4-1 win over West Ham in mid-October was a high point, but their 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace highlighted their inconsistency. Spurs will rely on their home advantage and attacking players like Son Heung-Min to make an impact.

Manchester City’s Form:

City are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, including a dominant 5-0 win over Sparta Prague in the Champions League and a narrow 1-0 victory against Southampton in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side have been defensively solid and boast the firepower of Erling Haaland upfront.

Players to Watch

Tottenham Hotspur:

Son Heung-Min – The South Korean forward has been in excellent form for Spurs, scoring three goals and providing two assists this season. He has been pivotal in Tottenham’s attacking play, including in their 3-1 win over Brentford earlier this season. Son is priced at 7/1 to score first and 9/4 anytime.

Manchester City:

Erling Haaland – Haaland is in devastating form, with 11 goals in nine Premier League appearances this season. His recent performances, including a brace in the 2-1 win over Wolves and the winner in the narrow 1-0 win over Southampton, underline his goal-scoring prowess. Haaland is priced at 5/2 to score first and 4/5 anytime.

Betting Tip

Manchester City to Win Odds: 6/4

Reasoning: City’s form, both domestically and in Europe, makes them favourites to edge this encounter. Tottenham’s inconsistency, particularly in defence, could be exploited by City’s attacking depth and the clinical finishing of Haaland.

As the EFL Cup reaches the last-16 stage, these five matches promise high-stakes action. Brighton will host Liverpool in a battle between two in-form Premier League sides, while Manchester United will take on Leicester City, with both teams hoping to find consistency in their performances.

Newcastle will aim to bounce back against Chelsea, who are riding a wave of strong form.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are overwhelming favourites against Preston North End, and the clash between Tottenham and Manchester City stands out as one of the round’s most exciting matchups, with both sides capable of delivering a memorable contest.

With quarter-final spots on the line, expect plenty of drama and excitement in each of these ties.

The statistics used in this article are sourced from WhoScored.com, with betting odds provided by bet365.

Please be aware that betting odds can change. This article is for entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial guidance. Always gamble responsibly. For support and more information on responsible gambling, please refer to the resources in the footer of this page.