Can any of the lower league teams take a famous Manchester scalp here and can Big Dunc’s resurgent Everton stop Leicester’s 11 match unbeaten run?
Here’s what we’re thinking.
Everton vs Leicester, Wednesday, 19:45
Duncan Ferguson’s revolution seems to be over already with former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Chelsea manager Carlo Ancellotti set to take over the Toffees. Any bets on how long it’ll be before we see a headline “Ancel-toffee” Paddy? Anyway, Everton are playing with a bit of pep in their step since Marco Silva’s departure, beating Chelsea 3-1 at home and grabbing a point away to Manchester United over the weekend.
Everton have had to overcome decent opposition to get this far, beating Sheffield Wednesday and then Watford by two goals apiece. At home in the league this year, Everton are averaging 1.38 goals scored and conceding 1.38 as well.
Leicester’s winning run and Jamie Vardy’s scoring run both came to an end last weekend at home to Norwich, but they’ve lost just two matches in their last 15.
They’ve had an easy run in the cup so far beating Luton Town and Burton Albion. On their travels in the league this season, the Foxes are averaging 2.63 goals per match and conceding 0.75.
Both teams are in good goal-scoring form and while Leicester’s ‘clean sheet’ record is good, Everton should score at least with home advantage.
Selection: BTTS & Over 2.5 goals @ Evens
Oxford United vs Man City, Wednesday, 19:45
After watching Man City maul Arsenal 0-3 over the weekend we can’t imagine that Oxford’s defenders slept much on Sunday night – they’re going to be in for a horrible night. City manager Pep Guardiola loves this competition, City have won it twice since he took charge, making the final in three out of the last four seasons.
Oxford will take some hope out of their home record though. They’re unbeaten in their last four matches at the Kassam Stadium and kept three Clean Sheets. If you think they can do it again you can back Oxford to keep a clean sheet at 14/1.
However, in their last four matches Oxford have scored just one goal. On the flip side, City have kept a clean sheet in five of in their last six League Cup matches.
Selection: City to Win to Nil @ Evens
Man United vs Colchester, Wednesday, 20:00
Manchester United welcome League Two’s Colchester to Old Trafford for the latest kick-off and are massive favourites, currently priced at 1/10. The Red Devils are unbeaten at home in their last 11 at Old Trafford.
Colchester’s away form is very good, they’re unbeaten in their last five on the road in all competitions. United should be able to see off Colchester here without too much hassle but Colchester rarely end a match goalless, indeed they’ve scored at least one goal in 12/15 matches in all competitions.
If we look at Man United’s home record, they’ve conceded 1.0 goals per match on average in the league this season and over their last 10 at Old Trafford they’ve only kept two clean sheets. Man United to Win and BTTS is a ripe 13/10 and definitely worth a punt with those records.
Selection: Man U to win & BTTS @ 13/10
A treble on these selections pays out at just over 8/1.
*Prices are correct at time of publishing
All the EFL Cup betting is just a kick away on PP,com
