The semi-finals of the Carabao Cup start today and while there is a favourite to lift the trophy, the bookies equally feel the other three contenders have a serious shot
11:16, 13 Jan 2026Updated 11:53, 13 Jan 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The first domestic final is just over two months away and we are down to the last four with the two-legged semi-finals starting this week with the first one a trip to St James' Park as Newcastle United welcome Man City. As the Carabao Cup holders look to maintain their defence, having home advantage in the first leg will serve them well as they look to hold off Erling Haaland and co.
However, Man City's record in the league cup speaks for itself - especially under Pep Guardiola. Despite not reaching further than the quarter-final in the last four seasons, Guardiola achieved an unprecedent four consecutive league cup wins shortly before that. They will also look to benefit from the fact they have never lost twice to the Magpies in the same campaign since 1983/84.
Elsewhere, the semi-final lineup is complete with an all-London affair as Premier League leaders Arsenal face Chelsea with new manager Liam Rosenior looking to make an instant impact at his new club by putting on a strong display in his first match at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have a solid track record against Arsenal in the competition's history losing just two ties which happened in the 1976/77 first round and most recently in the 2017/18 semi-final too.
Mikel Arteta will be looking to leave a lasting impression too and avoid an unwanted record of achieving the club's 10th defeat in the semi-final stage. No side has achieved this feat before with both the Gunners and Tottenham Hotspur level on nine semi-final defeats since the competition commenced.
It promises to be an exciting bill of Carabao Cup football and busy one for the bookies so be sure to check out all the exciting new offers.
Who is the favourite to win the Carabao Cup?
The bookies have priced Manchester City as the favourites for this tie best priced at Betway and AK Bets at 7/4 currently while Betfred have them at 13/8. Other bookies including bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and Sky Bet all have Pep Guardiola lined up at 6/4 to lift his fifth League Cup trophy during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Coming in a close second is former Guardiola protege Mikel Arteta's Arsenal who are trading in closely at 7/4 with William Hill and Betfred. The Gunners, who have only won one piece of silverware under Arteta have a solid chance of potentially setting up a final with City if all things go the sides' way in the semi-finals and the bookies have them priced neck-and-neck at the moment.
Elsewhere, Chelsea follow shortly after at best price of 9/2 on bet365, Unibet and SpreadEx as the Blues look to impress quickly in front of new boss Rosenior. The five-time winners are also going at 4/1 with William Hill, 888sport and 10bet at the time of writing this.
For the holders, Newcastle are priced as the least likeliest to win out of four but still good odds at 11/2 to hold onto the trophy they won last season. Eddie Howe's side is best priced at 7/1 with AK Bets at the moment with William Hill, Paddy Power and Coral all offering 13/2 odds to achieve the feat.
Carabao Cup Odds
- Man City - 13/8
- Arsenal - 7/4
- Chelsea - 7/2
- Newcastle - 11/2
18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change | Odds supplied by Betfred
READ MORE: Free Bets & Bookmaker Sign Up Offers
Gamble responsibly
Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org.