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Fresh off a frantic Premier League weekend, English football returns with knockout Carabao Cup action. The fourth round of the domestic cup competition is upon us and we are guaranteed to see some nail-biting encounters.
In the third round of the Carabao Cup, Manchester United were handed a shock 1-0 defeat by West Ham United. The Londoners, who are facing United’s crosstown rivals Manchester City this week, will look for a similar outcome.
While current Premier League leaders Chelsea are taking on Southampton, Arsenal host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium. Tottenham Hotspur are making the trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley, hoping to return to winning ways.
Liverpool, who are coming into the match on the back of a historic 5-0 win at Manchester United, will play Preston at Deepdale.
With so many exciting fixtures in store, we are unlikely to have a single dull moment in the Carabao Cup this week.
On that note, here are our five predictions for the third round of fixtures that are set to be played across Tuesday and Wednesday.
#5 Tottenham to get confidence-boosting win against Burnley
Tottenham Hotspur endured a narrow 1-0 defeat at West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday. The visitors were overwhelmed by the Hammers' enthusiasm and could not reply to Michail Antonio’s 72nd-minute winner.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently lack the confidence to take on Premier League’s top dogs, so a confidence-boosting win is the need of the hour.
There could be some changes to Tottenham’s lineup in their Carabao Cup fixture against Burnley, but most of the usual suspects should feature.
Captain Harry Kane is still struggling for form and a goal against Burnley might do him some good.
Burnley, who are 18th in the Premier League table, have not won a single league game this season. Beating an underperforming Spurs side seems to be too big of a task for them at the moment.
#4 Chelsea’s second-string side to outclass Southampton
On Saturday, Chelsea registered an emphatic 7-0 win over Norwich City at Stamford Bridge. Yes, the visitors were down to ten men and all over the place, but that should not take anything away from the Blues' ruthless gameplay.
In the Carabao Cup, however, Chelsea are likely to field a much-changed XI, giving the fringe players a shot. Hat-trick hero Mason Mount is set to be rested, but the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Saul Niguez and Hakim Ziyech should make the cut.
Southampton are also set to shuffle the pack in the Carabao Cup. Unfortunately, their second-string side simply do not have the quality to keep this in-form Chelsea team at bay.
#3 A routine win for Liverpool is on the cards against Preston
Eight-time Carabao Cup winners Liverpool will be making the trip to Preston North End on Wednesday night, hoping to keep their fine run going. Liverpool put five past bitterest rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, reaffirming their Premier League title challenge.
Jurgen Klopp is set to make a host of changes for the Carabao Cup fixture against Preston, but we do not expect an upset.
Divock Origi, who has scored 10 goals in his last nine cup appearances, is set to start. Given his hunger, the Belgian could be too hot to handle for Preston. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino could also get some game time and will look to make a strong case for themselves.
Preston’s efforts could make Liverpool a bit uncomfortable in the opening minutes, but we expect the Reds to book their place in the quarter-finals effortlessly.
#2 Leeds United and Arsenal to produce one of the most exciting matches of Carabao Cup
Neither Leeds United nor Arsenal have lived up to their billing in the Premier League this season. While the former are sitting a place above the relegation zone, 10th-placed Arsenal are a long way from securing Champions League football for next season.
However, when let loose, these two teams can play engaging, unpredictable football. In the Carabao Cup, both teams will be looking to gain some lost ground and put a respectable result on the board.
Arsenal, who beat Aston Villa 3-1 on Saturday, are the firm favorites, but it would be foolish to rule a wounded Leeds United out.
We predict goals galore and a narrow win for the Gunners in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
#1 Manchester City to face stern challenge from West Ham United
West Ham United have been one of the surprise packages in the Premier League this season. They have taken the fight to some of the biggest teams in the division and come home with maximum rewards.
West Ham United knocked Manchester United out in the third round of the Carabao Cup and will look to inflict pain on Manchester City as well.
Defending champions Manchester City are gunning for their fifth consecutive Carabao Cup title this season. This will make them the most successful team in the competition and the only outfit with five consecutive titles.
Pep Guardiola is likely to make a host of changes for the Carabao Cup fixture, which could encourage West Ham United. Make no mistake, Manchester City are still the team to beat, but we do not expect West Ham to roll over without a fight.
