Welcome to another week of top-quality action from the best leagues across Europe as the football schedule returns to top speed following the distraction of the winter break. We have some eye-catching games on the calendar as leagues and cups opt to catch up on loose fixtures in the absence of the UEFA Champions League and other European competitions. There’s plenty to keep lovers of the beautiful game busy this week with some exciting games broadcast live on television and live streaming apps.
We begin our previews for the week in London, where we preview Fulham’s home game against Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-finals. The winner of this game will progress to the final and contest the season’s first piece of silverware at Wembley Stadium. The Reds hold a 2-1 aggregate lead following last week’s meeting at Anfield, but there’s still all to play for here. Will the Cottagers overcome the deficit to progress to the final or will the Reds delight fans by booking their place at the national stadium?
Cottagers in the mix
Fulham fans knew the draw didn’t do their team many favours when pitting them against Liverpool in the last four. But fans of the Cottagers would’ve been delighted to make it this far, and they are on the cusp of booking a rare appearance at Wembley. The team still has plenty of work to do to book their final slot, but they are in the running, and the tie remains competitive ahead of the second leg. That’s all Fulham fans could’ve hoped for at this stage of the competition. But will they win the tie and progress to the final?
Fulham started the year with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rotherham United at this venue in the FA Cup Third Round. A more convincing margin of victory was expected, but Fulham got the job done and ensured their name is in the hat for the next round. They followed that win with a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the first leg of this tie before losing 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in the Premier League.
Reds almost across the line
Liverpool hopes to win the first trophy of the season and keep alive their dreams of going one better than Man City last season and securing a domestic clean sweep. Jurgen Klopp’s men are in the last four of this competition, sit on top of the Premier League after 21 games played, and have their sights set on adding the FA Cup. This has the potential to be a memorable campaign for lovers of the Reds.
Bet hereLiverpool has won their last three Premier League games to go top of the division. That purple patch began with a 2-0 win over Burnley on the road on Boxing Day before hammering Newcastle United 4-2 at Anfield in a thriller. They wrapped up a welcome treble with a 4-0 away win over Bournemouth at the weekend and now enjoy a five-point cushion over Man City in second, although the champions have a game in hand.
Fulham vs Liverpool prediction
Fulham holds the home advantage for this game, and although the Londoners trail their guests 2-1 on aggregate, they remain in the tie. They were beaten at Anfield, as most expected, but the Cottagers played better than most pundits predicted, giving themselves a chance to overturn the score at home. Fulham has lost their last two games, but both were competitive, and the locals will feel they have the character to win on Wednesday.
Liverpool got their noses in front in this tie when using home advantage to beat Fulham 2-1 last week. Klopp would’ve preferred a more comfortable scoreline, allowing him to rest a few players at Craven Cottage in midweek, but that wasn’t the case. They still have a job to do in getting past Fulham, and if Liverpool is anywhere near their best, as we saw at the weekend, they should progress to the final without too much fuss.
EFL Cup odds
22Bet members can wager on the outcome of Fulham vs Liverpool at Craven Cottage using the sportsbook website or mobile site. The pre-match betting odds are available, and you’ll find Fulham trading at 4.18 to win the game. Fancy Liverpool to build on that hard-earned win at Anfield? You can back the visitors at 1.77 or take a chance on the draw at 4.05.
In addition to the match-winner betting markets, 22Bet members also benefit from a long list of specials. There are both teams to score, handicap, total goals, first goalscorer, and plenty more besides. Browse the site, study the options and make your predictions.
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