Which Clubs Could Gain from an EFL Cup Run This Season

Every year when the EFL Cup rolls around, the same old arguments reappear. Some claim it’s all a distraction from “bigger” competitions, while others feel it is one of the best chances for non-elite clubs to actually win something. The thing is, there are plenty of clubs who might do with a good cup run this year — to end a drought of trophies, to rally their fans, or simply to win some confidence.

Why the EFL Cup Still Matters

It’s not the Premier League. It’s not the FA Cup. But it matters. The EFL Cup has given us some of the greatest evenings in English football, with surprise results and underdog stories that are still being talked about years later.

Because of its unpredictability, the tournament has neutrals and die-hards captivated equally. That’s one reason why interest in EFL Cup betting and odds has picked up — no one ever quite knows how a tie will go, especially during the early rounds when squad rotation and upset surprises are the norm. For players and managers, claiming this trophy is still an achievement marker, and for supporters, it’s silverware to bask in.

Newcastle United’s Shot at Glory

Newcastle supporters are weeping for silverware. Their Champions League push last term reminded us all just how big a club they are, but their trophy room is still laden with dust. Eddie Howe has performed miracles with the squad, but they will need depth to have a go on multiple fronts. The EFL Cup offers a golden opportunity — a real hope of ending that long drought for a trophy and cashing in on a fanbase that has stuck by the club through thick and thin.

Spurs’ Long Drought

Few clubs get as much talk about their lack of silverware as the Spurs. Every year the same questions are asked: when will they ever win anything? Ange Postecoglou has brought some much-needed passion and attacking football to the club, but the patience of the fans is wearing thin. While the EFL Cup is not as highly regarded as the Premier League or Europe, winning it would be a huge shift in attitude surrounding the club. Spurs require a trophy, and this could potentially be their best chance.

West Ham United’s Cup Mentality

West Ham have demonstrated they are capable of coming to the party in knockout football. Their Europa Conference League title victory last season provided the club with one of its finest nights of the past few decades, and showed David Moyes is capable of navigating such tournaments. Another deep run in the EFL Cup would keep the winning attitude going, while allowing those beyond the standard starting lineup to show their skills. For a club that survives on big events, this trophy comes to them so easily.

Aston Villa’s Next Step

Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa. Mid-table mediocrity is replaced by genuine European hopefuls. Now the fans want more. A solid league campaign is great, but a trophy to show for Villa Park would really speak volumes about how far they’ve come. The EFL Cup is perhaps the stage where Villa prove that they’re ready to join the discussion about the Premier League’s champions.

Championship Wildcards

Let us not forget clubs who are not in the Premier League. Championship clubs like Leeds, Southampton, or even Sunderland would appreciate the cup run to inject life into their seasons. Getting the better of a top-flight outfit does not just give fans something to chat about — it can mean momentum that carries through to the league. Those giant-killing nights are what the EFL Cup is so loved for, and they keep the competition in fans’ heads.

Final Whistle

For some, the EFL Cup is an opportunity to rest players. For others, an opportunity to change history. Whether it’s Spurs attempting to break their drought, Newcastle seeking long-overdue glory, or a Championship club hoping to pull off a famous upset, there’s much to play for. It isn’t the biggest prize in the sport, perhaps, but for the right team at the right moment, it can mean anything.

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