EFL Cup Final: Liverpool v Newcastle Betting Preview

The stage is set for the 2025 EFL Cup Final, with Liverpool and Newcastle battling for silverware at Wembley on Sunday. The Reds, last year’s winners, come into this as heavy favorites, but with a grueling midweek Champions League battle against PSG behind them, could fatigue play a factor?
Newcastle, meanwhile, have had an inconsistent season, but Eddie Howe’s men will be desperate to land their first EFL Cup title and salvage their campaign.
Here’s a breakdown of the key matchups, betting angles, and our final prediction for Sunday’s showdown.
Liverpool v Newcastle – Latest Betting Odds
Here’s how the odds are shaping up for the final:
- Liverpool to win – 1.66
- Newcastle to win – 4.80
- Draw – 4.10
- Liverpool -1 (Asian Handicap) – 2.02
- Newcastle +1 (Asian Handicap) – 1.73
- Liverpool to lift the trophy – 1.35
- Newcastle to lift the trophy – 3.20
Liverpool are the clear favourites, with bookmakers expecting them to bounce back despite their European setback. Newcastle are considered outsiders, but in a one-off final, anything is possible.
Liverpool – Will Fatigue Play a Factor?
Liverpool’s hopes of a treble were dashed midweek after a draining Champions League clash against PSG. They went the distance in extra time and penalties, so fatigue could be an issue heading into Sunday.
🔹 Squad Depth is Key
With injuries piling up, Arne Slot will need to rotate. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konate are all fitness doubts, while Cody Gakpo could be back in contention. The good news? Liverpool’s squad depth remains one of the strongest in England.
🔹 Form & Firepower
Despite the UCL setback, the Reds have been dominant domestically. They’ve been near unstoppable in the Premier League, and their attacking firepower—with Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz—makes them a constant threat.
🔹 Liverpool’s Wembley Dominance
Liverpool know how to get the job done in finals. They edged Chelsea in last year’s final and have been serial winners in cup competitions under Klopp. Even with a change in manager, they’ll be confident of keeping that streak alive.
💡 Betting Pick: Liverpool to Win (-1 Handicap)
Liverpool’s quality should shine through, and if they score early, Newcastle could struggle to respond. The -1 handicap offers solid value.
Newcastle – Can They Pull Off the Upset?
Newcastle’s journey to the final has been a mixed bag. They stunned Arsenal in the semi-finals, but their league form has been far from convincing, with three losses in their last five games.
🔹 Key Absences
The Magpies won’t be at full strength. Sven Botman, Anthony Gordon, and Lewis Hall are all ruled out, weakening their defence and attacking threat. Gordon’s absence is a particular blow as he’s been one of their most dangerous players this season.
🔹 Big-Game Struggles
Newcastle have struggled in finals. They lost the 2023 EFL Cup Final to Manchester United, and historically, they’ve found it tough to win silverware. In fact, their last win over Liverpool came back in 2015, a worrying stat for Magpies fans.
🔹 Tactical Approach
Eddie Howe will likely set up defensively, looking to frustrate Liverpool and hit on the counter with Isak and Almirón. However, with key injuries at the back, can they hold off Liverpool’s relentless attack for 90 minutes?
💡 Betting Pick: Under 2.5 Goals
Newcastle will try to keep things tight, and with Liverpool managing fatigue, we could see a cagey affair.
Liverpool v Newcastle Prediction & Best Bets
Liverpool come into this final as the stronger and more experienced team, and despite their midweek setback, they should have enough to get the job done. Newcastle’s injuries make their task even harder, and unless they produce a perfect defensive display, it’s tough to see them pulling off an upset.
✅ Best Bet: Liverpool to Win (1.66)
✅ Value Bet: Liverpool -1 Handicap (2.02)
✅ Alternative Bet: Under 2.5 Goals (2.29)
Newcastle will put up a fight, but Liverpool’s depth, experience, and quality should prove decisive. Expect the Reds to lift the trophy once again at Wembley! 🏆