The English Premier League takes a slight break this week as those who remain in the EFL Cup get ready to take part in their quarter-final ties.
Three of the four games see Premier League match-ups while the fourth hosts two competition underdogs. Port Vale of League One take on Middlesbrough of the EFL Championship in a game that guarantees a lower division side a spot in the semi finals of the competition.
Last seasons runners-up Newcastle United also still remain in the competition, having already beaten Manchester City and Manchester United in what was a replay of last seasons final. Newcastle yet again have a difficult task to continue through to the semis as they take on Chelsea.
Read on as we pick out our top tips and booking code for this season’s EFL Cup quarter-finals:
Middlesbrough to win, 1.84
Port Vale vs Middlesbrough
Port Vale have done exceptionally well to get to the quarter finals of the EFL Cup this season considering they find themselves in 15th in League One. Just three wins in their last 10 games in all competitions means it’s likely they will struggle in this one.
While Middlesbrough haven’t lived up to the standards they set last year, they still find themselves in the hunt for the play-off places in the Championship this time around, as they sit just six points behind sixth place.
While Port Vale do have the home advantage, we believe that Middlesbrough’s quality will win them the game against a third tier side who have struggled this season.
Everton to win, 2.00
Everton vs Fulham
Since taking a 10 point deduction Everton have been simply fantastic. Despite losing their first game against Manchester United, they went on to win all of their next four including victories over Newcastle and Chelsea. Scoring eight in this time and conceding none is a phenomenal record that sets them in good stead coming into this game.
Fulham have had a strange few weeks in the league, losing 4-3 to Liverpool in the dying moments before winning 5-0 in back-to-back games. However a 3-0 loss against Newcastle and a trip to Goodison Park makes this an extremely tough task for Fulham.
While we do expect this will be a tough encounter for both sides, Everton’s form and their home advantage makes us believe they will take the victory.
Chelsea to win, 1.80
Chelsea vs Newcastle United
Chelsea and Newcastle United are both coming into this game in similar form, with both sides taking just two wins and three losses from their last five games in all competitions.
However, the difference in this game could end up being the home advantage that Chelsea hold. While Chelsea haven’t had the best season in terms of results thus far, their home form has improved dramatically in recent weeks with them losing just once at home in their last seven. In comparison, Newcastle’s away form has left a lot to be desired as they’ve failed to win in any of their last five away from home, conceding twelve in the process.
For this reason, we’re backing Chelsea to take the win and progress through to the semi-finals.
Liverpool to win, 1.45
Liverpool vs West Ham United
Liverpool may be coming into this game on the back of a defeat and a draw, but they will certainly fancy themselves as favourites coming into the game. Despite this, West Ham will be no easy task as they have found form recently with just two losses in their last 10 games.
However, the benefit to Liverpool of the game being at Anfield as well as Liverpool’s overall class could well be too much for West Ham to deal with.
Best Booking Code: 5WQJVTR (odds: 9.6)
