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The second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals features a match between Fulham and Liverpool. The Carabao Cup, also referred to as the EFL Cup or the League Cup, is open to clubs in the top four levels of the English domestic system. The victorious team in this clash will advance to the final, where they will face either Chelsea or Middlesbrough, competing for the coveted championship. Continue reading to access an expert Fulham vs Liverpool prediction and explore stats and the latest Carabao Cup odds.
- Fulham FC vs Liverpool FC, Carabao Cup (League Cup, EFL Cup) semi-final (2nd leg)
- January 24, 2024
- 3 PM EST
- Craven Cottage, Fulham, England
- ESPN+
Liverpool vs Fulham Prediction: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
Liverpool are only slight favorites this time around, mainly due to the setting of this leg in Craven Cottage. At (-132), bookmakers are implying a win probability of 56.9% for the Reds. Fulham is priced at a line of (+350) to win in regulation. A draw, which would advance Liverpool to the final, is set at (+305).
League Cup 
Fulham +330 +350 +330 +315 +350 Liverpool -132 -137 -135 -150 -137 Draw +305 +275 +300 +300 +275
Want to better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market? See our soccer betting tips and learn about English Premier League betting odds.
Carabao Cup Odds and Format
The Carabao Cup, known as the EFL Cup or League Cup, is a domestic knockout tournament in England, welcoming clubs from the top four tiers of English football: The Premier League, the Championship, and Leagues One and Two. The defending champions, Manchester United, have been eliminated from this year’s competition. The upcoming final at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2024, will determine a new champion from the contenders Middlesbrough, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Fulham.
Liverpool has advanced to the semi-final by securing victories over Premier League rivals West Ham and Bournemouth. Their League Cup journey began with a triumph over Championship-leading Leicester. Fulham, on the other hand, secured a narrow victory against Everton in the lead-up to this League Cup match. Furthermore, the Cottagers overcame challenges from Ipswich, Norwich, and even Tottenham, marking an impressive journey to the final four.
Liverpool Team News and Lineup
Liverpool will enter Craven Cottage just three days removed from their 4-0 thrashing of AFC Bournemouth. The away match was a rare Premier League fixture in January during peak domestic cup season. Braces from Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota made up the scoring, all of which occurred in the second half.
In lineup news, Endo and Tomiyasu remain in Japan for their Asian Cup duties. Manager Jurgen Klopp is additionally expected to face the absence of Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, Ben Doak, Kostas Tsimikas, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Andrew Robertson for an extended period. There is a possibility that Dominik Szoboszlai’s thigh issue might recover in time for him to be available against Fulham. His return would be well-timed, especially considering Curtis Jones reported hamstring tightness after the Bournemouth match.
Mo Salah Injured, Returns to Liverpool
Mo Salah was to remain away from the club during the African Cup of Nations, but the Egyptian superstar has returned early to undergo treatment for a hamstring injury he suffered in a match last week. Deemed to be worse than initially feared, Salah opted to travel to England rather than remain with his national team.
This decision has sparked backlash from supporters including Pharaohs’ legend Ahmed Hassan. The most-capped Egyptian player cites the opportunity to invite a Liverpool medical staff member to the team, as well as duties as a captain, as reasons to remain with Egypt as they enter the knockout rounds. It was originally reported that Salah has the potential to still play in the AFCON in the semifinal, if his rehab goes well and Egypt advances that far in the tournament without their star player. However, more recent reports indicate he will be out for 21-28 days, a timeline that supersedes the AFCON Final on February 11, effectively vanquishing Salah’s hopes of playing again.
Potential EPL Comeback: Fulham Transfer Rumors Surrounding Firmino
Primarily recognized in the United States as the club that warmly welcomed American striker Clint Dempsey, Fulham is a West London-based team boasting a rich history in English football. Managed by Portuguese coach Marco Silva, the Cottagers currently hold the 13th position in the table, conceding 36 goals this season.
In intriguing developments involving both clubs, former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino is contemplating a return to Premier League action, potentially donning the Fulham badge. Having relocated to Saudi Arabia last season and joining Al-Ahli on a free transfer, the Brazilian striker is now linked with a move to Fulham. Firmino, who showcased his prowess with 3 goals and 2 assists in 17 appearances in the Saudi Pro League, could join the ranks of ex-Reds Harry Wilson and Fabio Carvalho at Craven Cottage.
While Firmino’s transfer to Fulham remains uncertain and won’t impact the upcoming Wednesday game, the news adds an interesting dimension. Fulham’s trend of attracting former Liverpool players might provide them with an edge against the mentioned club, given the players’ familiarity with Jurgen Klopp’s tactics.
Fulham vs Liverpool Prediction and Free Betting Pick
Fulham come into this match with a big rest advantage, having not played since the first leg of this semifinal. Liverpool, on the other hand, just played Bournemouth on the road on Sunday. The Reds will also be missing their main marksman Mohamed Salah, now injured after representing his home country of Egypt in the African Cup of Nations. To make matters worse, they will also be without their Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo for his international cup duties as well.
Fulham are being extremely discredited against a depleted, fatigued Reds side. The Cottagers typically keep this fixture close, avoiding multiple goal losses in the last six editions, including two draws and a victory at Anfield. Fulham was leading for 70 minutes of the last match and will have confidence they can earn a win on home turf, potentially forcing extra time or penalties.
I too am confident Fulham can play the pesty underdog role well despite their defensive shortcomings. Fulham will be putting more men forward, as a win is necessary to continue their trophy aspirations.
With that in mind, playing their moneyline is the best way to go. Buying goals in this situation is not a viable plan, as Fulham will take significant risks if the game is level. Keep at a half unit due to the low likelihood nature, but take Fulham to win this and shock Reds supporters in a match that has all the intangibles stacked in favor of the Cottagers.
Top Sportsbooks for Carabao Cup Odds
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