League Cup

League Cup Overview

Bruno Guimaraes Martin Odegaard GFX

Bruno can take Arsenal to another level alongside Odegaard

There will be some added intrigue for Arsenal fans during Brazil's clash with Norway in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. While much of the focus will undoubtedly be on superstar attackers Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland before kick-off on Sunday, one significant subplot is the battle between present and potentially future Gunners midfielders.

AnalysisWorld Cup
Crystal Palace v Arsenal - Premier League

Sources: Odegaard happy at Arsenal amid 'false' Galatasaray links

Sources tell GOAL that Martin Odegaard is not set to leave Arsenal for Galatasaray this summer, with reports of a potential Emirates exit described as “completely false.” The midfielder is expected to play a key role in the Gunners’ Premier League title defense, though his focus remains on Norway’s World Cup run rather than recent transfer rumours.

TransfersArsenal
Oliver Glasner Evangelos Marinakis

How Glasner & Marinakis ‘marriage’ at Forest will be measured

Oliver Glasner will be next through the managerial revolving door at Nottingham Forest, but how long will he last? Reds legend Stan Collymore has admitted to GOAL that the Austrian’s decision to link up with enigmatic Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis is “not a marriage made in heaven”, with his reign likely to be another that is measured in months rather than years.

ExclusiveNottingham Forest
Chelsea v Leeds United - Emirates FA Cup Semi Final

Chalobah settles on Chelsea exit plan

Trevoh Chalobah has prioritised a move to Italy despite attracting interest from the Premier League. Inter have stepped up talks over personal terms, while Chelsea could also use the defender in negotiations with Crystal Palace as they pursue Maxence Lacroix this summer.

TransfersChelsea
Viktor Gyokeres celebration Arsenal goal 2025-26

‘Not a classy attacker’ but Gyokeres backed to produce ‘best’

Former Arsenal and Sweden midfielder Stefan Schwarz has told GOAL that while Viktor Gyokeres may not be a “classy attacker”, he is finding his feet in the Premier League - as a title winner - and should be closer to his “best” during the 2026-27 campaign. The powerful frontman enjoyed a productive debut campaign at Emirates Stadium, but continues to see more forwards linked with big-money moves to north London.

ExclusiveV. Gyoekeres
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League Cup, fixtures & results

Monday 1 December
Ballymena United badge
Ballymena United
BAL
2
Larne badge
Larne
LAR
0
FT
Newry City AFC badge
Newry City AFC
NEW
2
Linfield badge
Linfield
LIN
3
FT
Glentoran badge
Glentoran
GLE
1
Cliftonville badge
Cliftonville
CLI
1
FT
pen 5 - 4
Tuesday 27 January
Linfield badge
Linfield
LIN
1
Ballymena United badge
Ballymena United
BAL
0
FT
Monday 2 February
Glentoran badge
Glentoran
GLE
2
Coleraine badge
Coleraine
COL
1
FT
Saturday 14 March
Glentoran badge
Glentoran
GLE
0
Linfield badge
Linfield
LIN
1
FT
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Standings

PosTeamPWDLFA+/-PTSForm
1AFC Bournemouth crestAFC Bournemouth00000000
2Arsenal crestArsenal00000000
3Aston Villa crestAston Villa00000000
4Brentford crestBrentford00000000
5Brighton & Hove Albion crestBrighton & Hove Albion00000000
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Betting spotlight

Brazil vs Norway predictions: Tough test for Haaland and co.
See more betting articles

Frequently asked questions

Merseyside team Liverpool hold the record for most League cup titles in history with 10 title wins to their name. Their most recent came in 2024 as they defeated Chelsea in the final.

The English Football League Cup, better known as the EFL Cup, Carabao Cup, or simply League Cup, features 92 teams in total. The competition consists of seven rounds to determine the winner. The first-ever edition of the EFL Cup took place in the 1960-61 season.

Former Welsh international and Liverpool legend Ian Rush holds the record for most appearances in the league cup. Rush featured in 80 League Cup games playing for three different English clubs.

Ian Rush holds the record for most goals in the League Cup. Rush has scored a total of 49 goals in 80 appearances in the competition.

Kevin Poole is the oldest player to feature in the League Cup. He achieved this feat while playing for Burton Albion at the age of 46 years and 21 days in 2009.

Harvey Elliott is the youngest player to have featured in the League Cup at the age of 15 years and 174 days, achieving the feat while playing for Fulham in 2018.

The League Cup has witnessed many legendary players over the years. The list includes the likes of Eden Hazard, Steven gerrard, Alan Shearer, Ian Rush, Wayne Rooney, Sergio Aguero, John Terry, Theirry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Jamie Vardy, among many more.

Some of the most notable managers to have featured in the League Cup are Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Claudio Ranieri, Jurgen Klopp, Antonio Conte, etc.