The EFL Cup is down to just four teams, and this week will determine which two clubs earn their spot in the final at Wembley. Among the semifinalists, we have three major Premier League teams and the underdog, Bristol City from the Championship, who have gained admiration for their fearless displays throughout the competition. After already eliminating Manchester United, they now face the challenging task of overcoming a deficit against Manchester City in the second leg.
Bristol City have every reason to be proud of their performance in the first leg, where they went head-to-head with Manchester City, displaying courage and a level of play that surpassed many top-tier teams this season. While City may have shown a bit of complacency in that encounter, they are unlikely to repeat the same mistake. Pep Guardiola is expected to field a strong lineup, as Manchester City look to keep their quest for multiple trophies alive.
On the other hand, the London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea left fans wanting more, with the first leg failing to deliver much excitement. The good news is that both clubs are expected to field stronger squads in the return leg, which could lead to a more thrilling contest, especially after both teams secured significant victories in the Premier League over the weekend. This time, we can hope for more attacking opportunities and goal-scoring chances.
Predictions for the EFL Cup Semi-Finals This Week
Tuesday
- Bristol City 1-2 Manchester City
Wednesday
- Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea
Key Highlights and What to Expect from This Week’s Televised Matches
Bristol City vs Manchester City – Tuesday 19:45, Sky Sports Football
Bristol City captured the hearts of many football fans with their gutsy performance in the first leg. They took the game to Manchester City, coming close to causing a major upset. Heading into the second leg, the Championship side will be full of confidence and belief, especially after having knocked out Manchester United earlier in the competition. The support of the home crowd could give them an extra boost.
However, Manchester City will arrive better prepared for this encounter. Pep Guardiola is unlikely to take any chances and will probably field a lineup stacked with star players to ensure a place in the final. The sheer quality and depth in City’s squad should give them an edge, but they will still need to maintain focus to avoid any surprises.
Arsenal vs Chelsea – Wednesday 20:00, Sky Sports Football
The first leg between Arsenal and Chelsea lacked intensity and ended without many scoring opportunities. Both teams opted for weaker lineups, which may have contributed to the lack of fluidity. This time, with a spot in the final on the line, stronger lineups are expected as both sides aim to make it to Wembley.
Arsenal come into the match on the back of a convincing 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, while Chelsea scored four goals in a 4-0 win against Brighton. Despite these results, this game could still be low-scoring due to the defensive approach often taken by both managers in high-stakes encounters. Chelsea have shown more stability in recent weeks, which could give them a slight advantage in this closely matched contest.
Betting Odds and Best Bets for the Semi-Finals
After their spirited first-leg showing, some might be tempted to back Bristol City at 14/1 to defeat Manchester City. For those who feel even more optimistic, backing the Championship club at 25/1 to reach the final could be worth a shot. While Manchester City remain the favorites, such high odds may appeal to those looking for a potential upset.
Manchester City, favored at 1/4 to win the second leg, are a popular choice for accumulator bets this week. A more specific wager would be backing City at 15/2 to win with another 2-1 scoreline, mirroring the result from the first leg.
The odds for Arsenal and Chelsea are very close after a tight first leg. Those expecting another draw can find odds of 5/2, while a 0-0 result that forces extra time is priced at 12/1. For those looking at Chelsea to win on penalties, after their recent FA Cup replay success over Norwich, that outcome is listed at 33/1.
If you think Arsenal can use their home advantage to secure the win, they are priced at 2/1 to win in 90 minutes or 6/5 to qualify for the final. A correct score bet on Arsenal winning 1-0 offers odds of 12/1, which could be an appealing option for those backing the Gunners to edge past their rivals.
Exciting Betting Promotions for the EFL Cup Semi-Finals
Bet365 – Bore Draw Money Back
This offer is available for both semi-final games, but it is particularly useful for the Arsenal vs Chelsea clash, which ended 0-0 in the first leg. If you place a bet on markets like correct score, half-time/full-time, or scorecast and the game finishes goalless, Bet365 will refund your stake. This promotion provides an extra layer of protection in case of another low-scoring affair.
William Hill – Acca 5 Insurance
Despite having just two EFL Cup games this week, accumulators remain a popular betting choice. William Hill’s Acca 5 Insurance is a great option for bettors who include five or more selections in their accumulator. If one selection falls short, you’ll receive a free bet refund, offering some relief for narrowly missed wins.
