Carabao Cup Outright Market: The First Games After The World Cup

The dust will have barely been left to settle after the World Cup before the domestic season resumes, and among the first fixtures are in the Carabao Cup Round of 16, beginning on December 20.

It’s one of the most competitive tournaments for a number of years, with sides like Newcastle and Brighton having realistic hopes of silverware alongside the regular contenders still left in the hat.

Of course, we’re always keeping our eyes on the odds that bookmakers are offering, and here are the current outright odds with Paddy Power…

 

Football League Cup Outright Odds

• Manchester City: 7/4
• Newcastle United: 5/1
• Manchester United: 11/2
• Liverpool: 6/1
• Brighton & Hove Albion: 10/1
• Leicester City: 14/1
• Southampton: 20/1
• Wolverhampton Wanderers: 20/1
• Nottingham Forest: 25/1
• AFC Bournemouth: 50/1
• Blackburn Rovers: 80/1
• Burnley: 1001
• Milton Keynes Dons: 200/1
• Charlton Athletic: 250/1
• Lincoln City: 500/1
• Gillingham: 500/1

 

Who’s in Contention? Our Carabao Cup Predictions

Manchester City have been almost untouchable in recent years in the competition, having won five of the last seven finals, including a run of four in a row. Pep Guardiola’s men are favourites, but do have a difficult draw in the Round of 16. Priced at 7/4 to win the League Cup, they’ll face current holders Liverpool, who are priced at 6/1 following a difficult start to the season.

It is always difficult to look past the Blues, but with them having the highest number of players at the World Cup, as well as aspirations in the Premier League and Europe, there is always a chance they could get knocked out. That happened last season in the Fourth Round, losing to West Ham on penalties and Jurgen Klopp will certainly be looking to turn around Liverpool’s season.

Newcastle, who will be keen to lift a trophy this season after their excellent start, are priced at 5/1. They take on Premier League side Bournemouth, who defeated Everton in the last round, but Eddie Howe will certainly be looking to get through before strengthening his side in January. That could place them perfectly for a punt, or at the very least a free bet in the outright market.

At Old Trafford, the quest for silverware is also on, and they’re priced at 11/2 to win the whole thing, and may not be a bad punt as an outsider. They’ll need to overcome a good Burnley side to reach the Quarter Finals, with the Turf Moor outfit top of the Championship and looking to bounce back to the top flight at the first attempt.

Both Brighton and Leicester will be expecting to progress, taking on Charlton and MK Dons respectively, but a successful trip to Wembley may be just beyond them.

 

Football League Cup Round of 16 Fixtures

20 December, 2022

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Gillingham

Milton Keynes Dons v Leicester City

21 December, 2022

Southampton v Lincoln City

Blackburn Rovers v Nottingham Forest

Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth

Charlton Athletic v Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester United v Burnley

22 December, 2022

Manchester City v Liverpool

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