*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
The last 16 of the Carabao Cup concludes on Wednesday. It comes around quicker every year, doesn’t it? We’re only in October and it feels wrong to be thinking about the quarter finals, but who am I to argue with the football calendar Gods?
For this midweek melee we’ve got Manchester City taking on West Ham and Liverpool heading to Championship strugglers Preston. Elsewhere the improving Leicester welcome the fading Brighton to the King Power and Tottenham travel to Burnley in, what looks on paper, an absolute drudge of a match.
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There should be some good stuff as well, with City and Liverpool’s kids/reserves showing their talents with an eye on moving up the pecking order at their respective clubs. Expect plenty of rotation and all the thrills and spills that come with that.
This all means there’s some decent value about which could see us feeling warm and fuzzy as we hurtle begrudgingly toward winter. So, Carabao at the ready, let’s see where the smart money’s going for Wednesday’s EFL Cup action.
* An accumulator on these four best bets at approximately 26/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Burnley v Tottenham – Under 2.5 Goals
With Halloween on the horizon, the leaves turning orange and the clocks preparing to go back, you can be forgiven for feeling a bit meh. If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up I’m afraid this game isn’t for you. However, I think we’ve got a good play at a decent price here.
These two are in bad shape with Burnley winning just once this season (in this competition) and Spurs trying to work out what they’re doing and where they’re going. Changes will be afoot and I think we’re on for a drab game with Under 2.5 Goals.
Unders has landed in Spurs’ last two outings and two of Burnley’s last four. These two have seen more goals than you might have imagined recently but with both attacks generally misfiring, a load of changes and poor morale across the board, I think Unders is the play here.
Leicester v Brighton – Leicester to Win
Leicester have turned some poor form around (one win in seven games) recently and have won three on the bounce in all competitions, including the slightly fortuitous 2-1 win at Brentford at the weekend. Here they face Brighton who started well but have now failed to win in four games, drawing three and losing last time out.
If you believe in momentum then we have to be on the Leicester Win. Both sides are going to make big changes if the last round is anything to go by. Leicester’s second string are going to be in better shape, having had the Europa League to contend with.
Brighton will be focused on turning their poor Premier League form around and potentially launching an unlikely European charge. With Leicester’s B team closer to match fitness, and the good mood around The Foxes’ camp, I’m siding with a home win here.
Preston v Liverpool – Liverpool (-2)
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Preston could do with this fixture like a hole in the head. PNE are down in 19th in The Championship but have a quite-healthy six-point gap to the drop zone. They are unlikely to go full strength here. Liverpool will definitely not be going with their strongest team with much bigger prizes on their mind.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s kids managed to pump Norwich 3-0 in the last round and, with Preston vastly inferior to the Premier League’s worst team, the second-tier side could be on the end of a kicking. I think, at a really-nice price, we’ll see Liverpool pass the (-2) alternative handicap.
West Ham v Manchester City – Man City to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
This could be the tie of the round with the in form West Ham hosting the in form Premier League champions Manchester City. Again, both are going to rotate heavily with Europa League and Champions League taking priority for these clubs.
Whoever Pep Guardiola sends out they’ll play in the same exhilarating way with pace, precision and possession. The champions’ second string should be too strong for West Ham’s and I’m expecting goals.
Over 2.5 Goals has landed in three of City’s last give games, with them scoring 13 goals over that timeframe. They’re pretty leaky at the back at the moment but should progress as Manchester City Win with Over 2.5 Goals.
Wednesday’s acca
Burnley v Tottenham – Under 2.5 Goals
Leicester v Brighton – Leicester to Win
Preston v Liverpool – Liverpool (-2)
West Ham v Manchester City – Man City to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
* An accumulator on these four best bets at approximately 26/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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