There’s now just one match separating Man City, Bristol City, Chelsea and Arsenal from the EFL Cup final. After two very close first legs a fortnight ago, both semi finals could go either way, which is testament to Bristol City’s superb performance away at the Etihad. We should be treated to two more engrossing encounters on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the match at Ashton Gate set to be a particularly special night.
For punters, the fact that both games are so close is wonderful. It provides us with some excellent betting opportunities to capitalise on. But don’t worry about pouring through the stats and the markets. We’ve done the hard work for you by making our choice of the best bets from both semi finals below. We’ve given you a range of markets at varied odds too, so however much risk you fancy taking on, hopefully there is a bet to suit.
- Bristol City v Man City
- Both Teams to Score (Evens with Bet365)
- Man City to Win 2-1 (17/2 with BetVictor)
- Bristol City to Score in the First Half (12/5 with Betfair)
- Arsenal v Chelsea
- Chelsea to Quality (6/5 with Betfred)
- Both Teams to Score – 8/11 with Betfair)
- 1-1 Correct Score (13/2 with BetVictor)
Bristol City v Man City – 23rd January
Even the most pessimistic Bristol City fan will be looking forward to Tuesday’s visit of Man City. Yes, the Robins’ form has tailed off in the Championship since their last match against Pep Guardiola’s men but what a chance that was to show the world what they’re all about. Bristol City pressed their illustrious opponents all over the pitch, they got in their faces and managed to go into the half time break with the lead.
The quality of the runaway Premier League leaders told in the end but Bristol City’s performance clearly impressed Guardiola. In his own uniquely passionate style, he praised his opposite number, Lee Johnson, after the final whistle but Guardiola was far from the only person to talk up Bristol City’s performance.
Ultimately, those kind words don’t do too much for Johnson and his players. They turned up to the Etihad looking to give themselves the best possible chance of making the final at Wembley. While they’d have taken a 2-1 defeat before the match, the manner of their loss will have certainly hurt. Still, it will give the Robins hope of doing something special in front of their own fans. Making that final may prove to be beyond them against this wonderful Man City team but the hosts will surely make a game of it. So, take the evens that Bet365 are quoting on both teams to score on Tuesday night.
Before the first leg, all the talk was of Man City putting the tie out of sight before the return game at Ashton Gate. Guardiola is already concerned about the fitness levels of some of his key players so being able to rest them for the second leg would have been very well received. As it is, Guardiola will have to put out a strong team or else run the risk of suffering the same fate as Man Utd who lost at Ashton Gate in the previous round. The Man City team that takes to the pitch will have all the quality required to get the win but it certainly won’t be easy. Bristol City will have their moments and so another score line of 2-1 to Man City looks very plausible at 17/2 with BetVictor.
You’d think that, having already seen what Bristol City are all about, the Man City players would be well prepared for Tuesday’s game. However, everything around the first leg was comfortable for the Citizens. Playing at home afforded them the luxury of all the routines that the team have become used to. It will be a different experience entirely at Ashton Gate and Bristol City will seek to maximise the away side’s discomfort early on. The Robins got off to a great start at the Etihad and can do something similar at Ashton Gate by scoring in the first half at tasty looking odds of 12/5 with Betfair.
Both Teams to Score – Evens with Bet365
Man City to Win 2-1 – 17/2 with BetVictor
Bristol City to Score in the First Half – 12/5 with Betfair
Arsenal v Chelsea – 24th January
The 0-0 draw between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge made it three stalemates in this London derby this season. Both of the matches at the Bridge ended without a goal being scored and neutrals will hope that the second semi final is much more like the encounter at the Emirates which ended 2-2. That was one of the best Premier League matches of the season so far and with a place in the EFL Cup final up for grabs, we should be in line for goals at in north London.
The question is, which team will score most of them? It has to be said that neither side are playing too well currently. Having missed out on the Champions League last season, Arsenal are in danger of sliding into a permanent decline. They are on a poor run, five points behind Spurs in sixth place in the league and their transfer activity is highly questionable.
As for Chelsea, they have a habit of following up a brilliant campaign with a mediocre one and while their fans are unhappy with things at the moment, they are almost assured things will improve sooner rather than later. The Blues are struggling for goals at the moment but in a one-off and crucial game, we think that’s set to improve here.
That leaves the Chelsea fans happier with their lot than their opposite numbers and they may be happier still when leaving the Emirates. Arsenal came out on top against Chelsea in the FA Cup final and the Community Shield but the Blues can exact revenge on Wednesday. Chelsea are more than happy to spoil the party and look a good price to qualify for the EFL Cup final at 6/5 with Betfred.
If Chelsea are to book their place in the EFL Cup final they’ll surely have to score inside the 90 minutes. Arsenal dug deep in both their trips to Stamford Bridge but they have injury problems in defence and so know they’ll need to put their best foot forward in an attacking sense. The Gunners also know that the fans are growing increasingly restless so must do their best to keep the Emirates crowd on side. So, expect a more entertaining match than we got in the first leg and bet on both teams to score at 4/6 with Ladbrokes.
It would be no surprise if four matches is not enough to separate Arsenal and Chelsea. There is every chance that Wednesday’s game will go to extra time. If that happens, the most likely score line in the 90 minutes is 1-1 which can be backed at 13/2 with BetVictor. Backing the visitors to win in extra time is also another appealing option at long odds.
Chelsea to Qualify – 6/5 with Betfred
Both Teams to Score – 4/6 with Ladbrokes
1-1 Correct Score – 13/2 with BetVictor