EFL Cup Semi-Final Predictions: Newcastle and Man United fancied to confirm superiority

Joe Crann

30 January 2023

Whatever happens in this year’s League Cup, a trophy drought will come to an end – it just remains to be seen who will make the final and lift the prize.

Newcastle United (2.42 outright) and Manchester United (1.75 outright) are in the best position to progress after their first leg victories, and current form suggests they will be exceptionally difficult to beat in the reverse fixtures this week.

The Magpies welcome Southampton to St. James Park with a 1-0 lead and, given that Eddie Howe’s men have one of the best defensive records in the country (they have kept eight clean sheets in their last 10 games), it’s easy to envisage them finishing the job.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils are cooking up a storm at Old Trafford (they have won their last 10 home matches), and they have home advantage after their 3-0 first-leg pumping of Nottingham Forest.

United haven’t won a major trophy since 2017, while Newcastle still await their first piece of silverware since 1969. It looks like they will both have a golden chance to change that this season. Football expert Joe Crann previews both semi-final matches.

Newcastle United v Southampton

Kick-off: 8pm Tuesday

With Newcastle’s impenetrable defence and a desperation to end their aforementioned long trophy drought, it’s certainly worth looking at them to win to nil in this match (2.06).

Southampton have struggled this season - they remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League - but have seen an upturn in fortune in recent weeks with victories over Crystal Palace, Man City, Everton and Blackpool in their last six games.

Eddie Howe: Has done a phenomenal job at Newcastle this season

However, the anytime goalscorer market is topped by no fewer than seven Toon players, and this just feels like a game that the hosts could put to bed quite comfortably. Interestingly, Newcastle have scored 12 of their 18 home Premier League goals in the second half, and you can get the second half as the highest scoring at 2.04.

Prediction: Newcastle to win and Over 1.5 goals @ 1.77

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

Manchester United have been formidable at home this term and their successful run can largely be put down to the form of England forward Marcus Rashford.

Whether or not he starts this match after the first-leg demolition job at the City Ground remains to be seen, but it would take a brave person to back against him making it 11 goals in his last 11 games (2.2 as an anytime goalscorer).

United have barely conceded on home soil of late but, with a few changes likely and an element of complacency set to creep in given their advantage, there’s a reasonable chance of both teams scoring. Both teams to score and a United win is backable at a tasty 3.15.

Prediction: Manchester United and Both teams to score @ 3.15