EFL Cup Semi-Final Tipsheet: Who will book their place at Wembley

As it stands, Liverpool will play Middlesbrough in the League Cup final. Both sides lead at the halfway stage of the semi’s but they just have the small matter of another game with Fulham and Chelsea respectively. We have cast an eye over both in this EFL Cup semi-final tipsheet. 

Chelsea vs Middlesbrough 

Kick-off: 20:00 Tuesday, Sky Sports

Middlesbrough head to Stamford Bridge with a one goal advantage to protect. If the Championship club get a result within the 90, they will be in the League Cup final 

Michael Carrick’s side had the wasteful finishing of Cole Palmer to thank for this lead. The Blues frontman squandered two ‘big chances’ (xG greater than 0.30) at the Riverside where the Premier League club had 18 shots and generated an xG of 2.60 without scoring. 

Don’t let that take away from the hosts' resolute performance though. Three days earlier, Boro went within minutes of earning a replay with title challengers Aston Villa in the FA Cup, proving they can frustrate the top flight's best sides. 

Frustrate Chelsea once more is what I expect Boro to do on Tuesday.

Isaiah Jones hobbled off in the first half against Roterham on Saturday and the winger, alongside Jonny Howson, will be assessed ahead of this fixture. The absence of either in the capital will weaken the visitors significantly. 

As the odds suggest, this is still a mammoth task for the visitors. Their best chance will surely be a defensive approach. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s success this term hinges on domestic silverware and I am not sure how this side will respond to this pressure. 

John Brooks has the whistle here, a referee who has averaged over four cards per game this term. Given the dynamic of the clash, player cards may be the best route in. 

Conor Gallagher is an obvious candidate. The tireless midfielder has notched up six this campaign and tops the Blues defensive charts, averaging 2.7 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and crucially 2.4 fouls per game. 

Prediction: Conor Gallagher to be shown a card @ 3.75

Fulham vs Liverpool

Kick-off: 20:00 Wednesday, Sky Sports

No Mohammed Salah? No problem. 

Since the Egyption joined up with his national team in Ivory Coast, Liverpool have played three, won three and scored eight. 

Whilst the victory against Arsenal was fortunate and it took a late rally in the first leg of this semi-final, there was no qualms about the emphatic victory on the south coast. A couple braces courtesy of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota put real daylight between the Reds and Bournemouth and ensures Jurgen Klopp’s side head to the capital in a buoyant mood. 

The visitor's price looks huge, regardless of the context of this clash. Arsenal recently went off at 1.58 at Craven Cottage and Manchester City were 1.28 come kick-off in their last trip there back in April. 

Liverpool take on Fulham with a goal advantage to protect but if anything that only aids their cause. The Reds are their most dangerous in transition and with the Cottages needing at least a goal the onus is on the hosts to take the game to their opponents. 

Prediction: Liverpool to win @ 1.80

Recommended Bets

Back Conor Gallagher to be shown a card @ 3.75
Back Liverpool to win @ 1.80