Carabao Cup betting tips: Last 16 preview

We’ve reached the last 16 of the EFL Cup for 2025/26. The bookmakers have Liverpool as outright favourites, ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal.

As the Reds have the hardest tie of the three and are in dismal form at present, that seems a little surprising. Or is it? Let’s get into the eight ties with a prediction for every game.

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Grimsby Town vs Brentford betting tips 

The last time these clubs met, both were in League Two. Grimsby are in that division now except they are welcoming Premier League Brentford to Blundell Park. 

While Grimsby stunned Manchester United earlier this season, the Bees know what to expect. Their away form has been patchy but they were impressive at West Ham last Monday, winning 2-0. As they had 22 shots and hit the woodwork twice, they should’ve won by more. Brentford should be fine here.

Scoreline prediction

Grimsby Town 1-3 Brentford (10/1 with Betfred)

FIRST’s top tip:

Brentford win and over 2.5 goals (10/11 with Betway)

Wycombe vs Fulham betting tips

These teams’ last league clash occurred when Fulham won the third tier and the play-off winners in that division were Manchester City. It’s been a while. 

However, they met in this competition in 2015 and 2017, with Wycombe losing to nil at home on both occasions. Fulham have yet to win on the road this season, though, picking up just one point from five away league games.

They also only beat League Two Cambridge 1-0 in the last round. With Fulham only three points above the relegation zone, Marco Silva should rest his top players. Wycombe have a chance of an upset. 

Scoreline prediction

Wycombe 1-1 Fulham (7/1 with Spreadex)

FIRST’s top tip:

Double chance: Wycombe or draw (8/5 with Ladbrokes)

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Wrexham vs Cardiff City betting tips

There will be no love lost in this all-Welsh affair. Wrexham were promoted from League One last season, passing Cardiff who were relegated from the Championship in the process. 

The Bluebirds have responded well and sit top of the third tier. It was only last week that Wrexham collected their first home league victory of the campaign too. 

Bookmakers have Wrexham as favourites, which feels right given the atmosphere will be electric. It should be close though.

Scoreline prediction

Wrexham 2-1 Cardiff City (15/2 with MrPlay)

FIRST’s top tip:

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals (5/2 with Coral)

Arsenal vs Brighton betting tips

Arsenal are rightly short-priced favourites to beat Brighton. They have home advantage and the depth of squad to ensure the team Mikel Arteta selects will be full of quality. 

Can you ignore the prices for the Seagulls to get a positive result though? I’m not sure. They drew both meetings last season and have only lost one of their last five matches at the Emirates. This competition is also of greater importance to them than it is for Arsenal. 

It’s looking increasingly hard for anyone to score against the Gunners though. They should prevail.

Scoreline prediction

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton (7/1 with Spreadex)

FIRST’s top tip:

Handicap: Arsenal -1 (23/20 with William Hill)

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Liverpool vs Crystal Palace betting tips

Liverpool will be grateful to be at home given their struggles but there are easier teams to face than Crystal Palace. The Eagles have beaten them on penalties in the Community Shield and in the league already this season. 

They are also unbeaten in three at Anfield. If this was a Premier League game, you’d take Palace at the available prices. With team selections uncertain, it’s a harder call. 

But goals look inevitable. A bet on both teams scoring combined with at least three goals has paid out five times in six home matches for Liverpool this term. It looks the inevitable outcome, even if the result is tough to predict.

Scoreline prediction

Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace (7/1 with Spreadex)

FIRST’s top tip:

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals (13/8 with Betfred)

Swansea City vs Manchester City betting tips

Pray for Swansea. If the previous round is any indication, Pep Guardiola will pick a stronger-than-you-expect starting XI. The likes of Phil Foden and Savinho started at League One Huddersfield, so presumably City won’t be weaker against Championship opposition.

That last match in this competition ended 2-0 to the Cityzens, as did their recent Champions League visit to Villarreal. QPR recently won at Swansea to nil so City should do likewise.

Scoreline prediction

Swansea City 0-2 Manchester City (11/2 with Coral)

FIRST’s top tip:

Manchester City win to nil (Evens with 10bet)

Wolves vs Chelsea betting tips

The aggregate score across the two meetings of these teams last season was 9-3 to Chelsea. With Wolves in deep relegation trouble, this could get very ugly, very fast. 

If you want a sliver of hope for the home side, there is no pressure on them here so they can play with freedom. Equally, that could make them even riper for the plucking. 

As both teams scored in the previous four clashes, that could be a betting option. With Wolves facing some version of the world champions, you must back Chelsea and back goals. 

Scoreline prediction

Wolves 1-2 Chelsea (7/1 with Betway)

FIRST’s top tip:

Chelsea win and over 2.5 goals (7/5 with 10bet)

Newcastle Utd vs Tottenham betting tips

The Carabao Cup holders will fancy their chances of advancing. They won their last three matches against Tottenham, plus they have an extra day to prepare. 

Spurs have been erratic on the road. They beat Everton on Sunday, having earlier won at Leeds when the stats suggested the home side deserved the points. Tottenham drew with Brighton, Bodoe/Glimt and Monaco, all of whom aren’t as good as Newcastle.  

Tottenham have scored twice in their last three visits to St James’ Park. One was an own goal, the other once they were already 5-0 down. A Newcastle win to nil is not out of the question. 

Scoreline prediction

Newcastle Utd 2-0 Tottenham (17/2 with Spreadex)

FIRST’s top tip:

Newcastle win (5/6 with Coral)

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Odds correct at the time of writing.