Carabao Cup Quarterfinals Picks and Predictions: Two Tournament Matches

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Wed Dec 17, 2025, 10:46 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Bernardo Silva and Manchester City have a crucial match at home against Brentford this Saturday - EPL Picks

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Throughout the English Premier League season, the entire country is competing for the coveted Carabao Cup. The tournament has reached the quarterfinals, as Chelsea beat Cardiff City yesterday to solidify their spot in the final four. Today, two more matches are played and two more semifinal spots will be filled, so let's get into our favorite Carabao Cup picks for today's quarterfinal matches.

Although they aren't the most exciting matchups, this is still the tournament quarterfinals. Therefore, teams should be highly motivated to move on, and shouldn't be looking ahead to this weekend's contests.

Today in the Carabao Cup, we have…

  • Manchester City vs Brentford
  • Newcastle United vs. Fulham

Head over to our EPL Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

Carabao Cup Quarterfinals: Wednesday's Predictions December 17

Newcastle United are actually the defending Carabao Cup champions, winning their first title last year. Will they be able to defend it? Manchester City has not won since 2021, while Brentford and Fulham have never sniffed the final. That could change this year if they string together a couple more wins. Do they have it in them today?

As stated above, Chelsea is already through to the Carabao Cup Semifinals. Two of the four teams playing today will join them, while the other quarterfinal between Arsenal and Crystal Palace takes place next Tuesday. Chelsea will play the winner of Arsenal vs. Palace, while today's two winners will meet in the semifinals. Let's find out who that might be.

Manchester City vs. Brentford Carabao Cup Picks

Manchester City and Erling Haaland take on Brentford in the Carabao Cup Quarterfinals this afternoon - Carabao Cup Picks

Manchester City and Erling Haaland take on Brentford in the Carabao Cup Quarterfinals this afternoon

Best Bet: Manchester City ML/Both Teams to Score No (+172) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Back Manchester City to win this game in a shutout. Do they really care about this match? That's up for debate. However, it's another trophy they can add to the case, and they can beat this Brentford team in a shutout with their JV squad, who might be taking the field today. These two teams already played once, where Brentford was the host.

Manchester City won that game 1-0, thanks to a 9′ minute goal from Erling Haaland. City maintained over 70% of possession in that game, and outshot their hosts 10-6 overall and 4-1 on target. The visitors even started some of their bench players in that game, proving they have the depth and firepower to compete with other clubs' top lineups with their second team.

Today, I don't see anything changing, as Manchester City have a cupcake matchup against West Ham United at home on Saturday. This is perfect spot for them to win with ease before rolling into an easy weekend contest as well.

Prediction: Manchester City Wins 2-0 (+750)

Newcastle United vs. Fulham Carabao Cup Picks

Can Anthony Gordon and Newcastle take down Fulham at home in the Carabao Cup? Carabao Cup Picks

Can Anthony Gordon and Newcastle take down Fulham at home in the Carabao Cup?

Best Bet: Newcastle ML/Under 3.5 (+158) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Newcastle have been cruising in the right direction, especially recently. At St. James' Park, the Magpies are now unbeaten in their last eight matches, earning wins in seven of those contests, including a win over this same Fulham team earlier in the year. Newcastle came out on top 2-1 on a winner in the 90′ minute. This second time around, I have faith in the Magpies shutting out Fulham and being able to net a couple themselves.

They statistically dominated Fulham in their first meeting, out shooting them 18-12 overall, 7-5 on target and winning the corner kick battle 4-3. At St. James' Park a second time, something similar should happen. Fulham have been up and down this year, with recent wins over Burnley and Tottenham on the road, while losing to Everton, Crystal Palace and Manchester City.

Ultimately, I think Newcastle simply has the fire power to take them down.

Prediction: Newcastle Wins 2-0 (+800)

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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