Best Booking Code For The EFL Cup Quarter-Finals

The EFL Cup quarter-finals take centre stage this week, adding to the relentless pace of the winter football schedule. With just eight teams remaining, the stakes are high as each side battles for the opportunity to claim the season's first piece of silverware.

These matches promise to deliver action, intensity and plenty of drama as clubs push to progress to the semi-finals, and we take a closer look at the four games and picking out our top tips and best booking code (odds at time of writing, 90 minutes only):

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Arsenal have enjoyed a largely successful 2024-25 season so far, still in the title race in third in the English Premier League while also remaining on course to qualify in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League and in the hunt for silverware in the EFL Cup.

They have faced some struggles with their surprising lack of goals in recent matches, relying heavily on set pieces with back-to-back Premier League draws that saw them struggle to create chances.

However, they will be major favourites to secure a victory over a Crystal Palace side that have underwhelmed so far this campaign, sitting 15th in the table, though they have remained unbeaten in their last five outings.

Despite that, with Arsenal boasting the better talent across the squad and the home advantage, we believe they will secure a comfortable win here.

Arsenal to win, 1.38

Newcastle United vs Brentford

This one between Newcastle United and Brentford has the opportunity to be an extremely tight encounter between two sides separated only on goal difference in the Premier League after 16 fixtures, with Newcastle in 12th and Brentford in 11th.

Newcastle finally ended a four-game winless run with a 4-0 demolition of Leicester City last time out, while Brentford lost just their second game in six as they were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Chelsea.

With this one expected to be an extremely tight encounter, we believe the home advantage could prove to be a pivotal point for Newcastle, with the fans able to push their side over the line, and for that reason, backing the hosts to secure the win could be the sensible way to go.

Newcastle United to win, 1.58

Southampton vs Liverpool

Liverpool have been virtually unbeatable throughout this campaign, losing just one of their 23 matches under Arne Slot, a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, drawing three and winning 19 in that time.

Southampton, on the other hand, have faced an extremely difficult campaign with just one league win in 16 matches, a run that has seen Russell Martin sacked after a 5-0 loss to Tottenham last time out.

While the Saints will be hoping to see a new manager bounce and secure a shock win over Liverpool, the Reds have been too strong throughout this campaign, leading us to believe they will secure a commanding win with plenty of goals.

Liverpool to win & over 2.5 goals, 1.84

Tottenham vs Manchester United

These two sides have faced their fair share of struggles and challenges throughout the opening part of this season, especially in recent weeks with Tottenham winning just one of their last six and Man United losing two of their last four.

However, Tottenham bounced back with a superb 5-0 win against Southampton last time out, while Man United dramatically beat Man City 2-1 with two late goals, leaving both teams with boosted confidence heading into this one.

While Tottenham boast the home advantage here, Man United have become a better defensive and attacking unit under Ruben Amorim, and with the huge pace they possess, we believe they will harm the high-line that Tottenham play, and secure a valuable away win to progress.