EFL Cup winner odds & outright predictions: Newcastle could make a statement

Free football tips, best outrights bets & analysis for the 2022-23 EFL Cup.

Best bet

Newcastle to win EFL Cup
1pt 14-1 each-way bet365, Betfred, Paddy Power

EFL Cup outright preview

Eddie Howe has been Newcastle manager for one year this week and the former Bournemouth boss has wasted no time in laying down a marker on Tyneside with the Magpies emerging as top-four contenders in the Premier League this season.

But, starting with a home contest against Crystal Palace in the third round on Wednesday, Newcastle could also have an excellent shot at silverware in this season's EFL Cup.

With the World Cup just over the horizon, Premier League squads could be stretched to their limits in the coming months and the division's bigger hitters will be forced to prioritise competitions.

For many, the EFL Cup will rank as the least important.

Arsenal, for example, will not want anything to jeopardise their stellar start to the Premier League season, while being competitive in the league and making an impact in Europe will be the priority for Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United.

The fact Manchester City and Chelsea will square off in the third round, meanwhile, makes both off-putting outright selections.

A top-four finish is undoubtedly on Newcastle's radar too but the importance of winning a first major trophy since the Inter Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 cannot be underestimated.

The club's recruitment has been spot on so far but to attract the best talent they will need trophies in their cabinet and the EFL Cup would be a good start.

The team is shaping up nicely with Bruno Guimaraes having transformed the team in midfield and Miguel Almiron looking a different player from the one who arrived raw from MLS in 2019.

When fit again, Alexander Isak is a terrific option up top and should continue to get the best out of fellow forward Callum Wilson, while Nick Pope is generally reliable between the sticks.

There is a renewed hunger about this Newcastle team and punters should not expect them to take their foot off the pedal in cup competitions this season.

Crystal Palace, their opening opponents in the EFL Cup, are no pushovers but Newcastle are unbeaten in seven home games in the Premier League this term and will have a buoyant St James' Park behind them.

Howe's men can capitalise on the fact it is a season like no other and are an enticing each-way selection at 14-1 to win the first major silverware on offer this season.

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