EFL Cup explained

8 Jun 2016
2016/17 EFL Cup winners Manchester United

Find out the format and history of the Football League's premier cup competition

The EFL Cup is the English Football League's main cup competition and involves all 92 Premier League and EFL clubs, culminating in a showpiece final at Wembley Stadium.

The competition is played in a straight knockout format and runs over seven rounds beginning in August. Premier League clubs who have not qualified for Europe join in round two with the top-flight teams who are playing in Europe entering in round three.

Of the 23 sides to have won the trophy, Liverpool hold the record for most victories, having won eight since the competition began in 1960/61. Their last victory came in 2012 when they defeated Cardiff City on penalties.

Chelsea and Aston Villa are next on the all-time winner's list with five wins apiece.

Manchester United are the current holders after they recorded a 3-2 victory over Southampton in February 2017.

The winner of the EFL Cup qualifies for the third-qualifying round of next season's UEFA Europa League.

Last 10 League Cup winners

2016/17 Manchester United (beat Southampton)
2015/16 Manchester City (beat Liverpool)
2014/15 Chelsea (beat Tottenham Hotspur)
2013/14 Manchester City (beat Sunderland)
2012/13 Swansea City (beat Bradford City)
2011/12 Liverpool (beat Cardiff City)
2010/11 Birmingham City (beat Arsenal)
2009/10 Manchester United (beat Aston Villa)
2008/09 Manchester United (beat Tottenham Hotspur)
2007/08 Tottenham Hotspur (beat Chelsea)

For more information on the League Cup, click here >>

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

05 Dec 2024

Maresca: Fans can see that Chelsea are back

Blues head coach says the club's fans are being rewarded for their loyalty after Chelsea's dazzling 5-1 win at Southampton

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details