The Carabao Cup resumes in midweek with Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham all matched up with Premier League sides, while Liverpool travel to Championship outfit Preston North End.
*Please note that this article was written prior to gameweek 9 of the Premier League
Tuesday 26 October
Chelsea 3/10
Draw 42/10
Southampton 9/1
(20:45)
Chelsea head into the tie as overwhelming favourites after already beating Southampton in the Premier League at the beginning of the month. Thomas Tuchel’s side emerged 3-1 victors at Stamford Bridge in a game shrouded in VAR controversy. After Trevoh Chalobah’s opener, James Ward-Prowse equalised and was then sent off, allowing the Blues to rally late on through Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell. The Blues are currently on top of the Premier League table, while the Saints sit 15th place on the standings. Both sides are expected to ring the changes, but the Blues have better depth and quality to progress to the next stage.
Arsenal 7/10
Draw 29/10
Leeds United 36/10
(20:45)
Mikel Arteta’s much-improved Arsenal welcome strugglers Leeds United to the Emirates, hoping to reach the last eight for the second season in a row. After a poor start to the season, the Gunners have improved significantly, with four wins and two draws in their last six league outings. Leeds, on the other hand, might be suffering from a little Second Season Syndrome. After eight matches, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have claimed just one win and sit in 17th place in the Premier League. The home win is tipped confidently.
Queens Park Rangers 19/20
Draw 11/4
Sunderland 5/2
(20:45)
In the only all EFL tie, Queens Park Rangers welcome Sunderland to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium. Mark Warburton’s men sit eighth in the Championship, whilst the Black Cats are fourth in League One. The Hoops will be wanting to get straight back to winning ways after a defeat against Fulham, while the Tyneside club will look to continue their impressive form. Sunderland will fancy their chances of causing an upset here.
Wednesday 27 October
Stoke 37/20
Draw 47/20
Brentford 14/10
(20:45)
Two sides seeking to bounce back from disappointing league defeats at the weekend prepare for battle in round four of the EFL Cup as Stoke welcome Brentford to the bet365 Stadium on Wednesday night. Michael O’Neill’s men went down 2-1 to Sheffield United at the weekend, whereas the Bees suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Chelsea despite a strong performance. Confidence will be sky high in the Brentford camp after a strong start to 2021-22 and I fancy them to emerge victorious here.
Leicester City 19/20
Draw 26/10
Brighton 26/10
(20:45)
Buoyed by the Premier League win over Manchester United, Leicester City will be looking to give their fans yet another reason for celebration when they take on Brighton at King Power Stadium on Wednesday night. Brendan Rodgers’ side seem to have developed quickly, while their visitors have been somewhat of a surprise package in the Premier League so far this season, and will arrive hoping to cause an upset. It should be a close, entertaining affair, but the Foxes should have enough to progress.
Preston 6/1
Draw 39/10
Liverpool 4/10
(20:45)
A raft of expected changes from Liverpool may have Preston feeling optimistic about their prospects of a giant killing, but the confidence levels in the two camps could not be more contrasting. A second-string Liverpool XI should progress with minimal difficulty.
West Ham 48/10
Draw 32/10
Manchester City 5/10
(20:45)
West Ham face the daunting task of going up against the defending champions. Pep Guardiola’s side have dominated the League Cup in recent years, lifting each of the last four trophies. The Hammers command plenty of respect seeing as they are only three points behind the Citizens in the Premier League, but masterminding a victory over Guardiola’s men may be a step too far for David Moyes. The visitors have plenty of options for rotation and should have enough to emerge victorious.
Burnley 5/2
Draw 49/20
Tottenham 21/20
(20:45)
Sean Dyche’s team are winless in the Premier League so far this season, but cup football could prove to be the exact type of distraction needed. The Clarets will be desperate to give their fans something to cling on to after a torrid start to the campaign. However, Tottenham are beginning to hit their stride under Nuno Espirito Santo, and they will certainly not want to see their momentum slowed with a cup defeat. I’m tipping Spurs to edge what should be a very close contest at Turf Moor.
MULTIPLE @ 17/2
Chelsea Win 3/10
Liverpool Win 4/10
Arsenal Win 7/10
Man City Win 5/10
Tottenham Win 21/20
Written by Chad N