Bournemouth vs Everton
It’s been 27 years since Everton last lifted silverware and considering their start to the Premier League season their best hope of ending that run is in one of the two domestic cup competitions.
However, progressing to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup will not be an easy task considering they face an away trip to Bournemouth.
The Toffees are winless in four consecutive visits to the Vitality Stadium and last tasted victory there in 2016.
Bournemouth recently slumped to their fourth straight league defeat, though their performances have been encouraging and incredibly unlucky.
Gary O’Neil’s men squandered a 2-0 lead against Tottenham and a 3-1 lead against Leeds in their last two outings.
If the Cherries can learn to keep the door shut, Everton could enter a world of problems. Frank Lampard’s men have scored just three goals in five games – all of those coming against Crystal Palace.
Bearing everything in mind, we’re backing Bournemouth to get the job done and win by a one goal margin.
Leicester City vs Newport
Leicester City have seemingly turned around their rotten start to the season and now face an excellent chance of making it through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
League Two’s Newport County stand in their way – a familiar opponent for the Foxes.
The Welsh outfit picked up a shock FA Cup win over Leicester in 2019, though a repeat of that is highly unlikely.
While Newport are floundering in the bottom half of League Two, Leicester have won three of their last four games and kept three clean sheets.
Back Brendan Rodgers’ side to power into the next round with a comfortable win. A -1 handicap is the way to go.
Arsenal vs Brighton
Premier League leaders Arsenal have got their sights set on a first league crown since the 2003/04 campaign. So don’t be surprised if Mikel Arteta opts to make a few changes for Wednesday’s visit of Brighton.
While the Gunners would love a cup run, juggling European and domestic campaigns can’t be easy.
Arsenal have won three games on the trot and haven’t conceded a single goal in the process. Brighton have also won two successive games after shaking off a five-match winless run.
The Seagulls won two of their last three visits to the Emirates and we’re backing them to get another one this midweek.
Arsenal will be prioritising their league match with Wolves and a young Gunners outfit may come up short against an improving Seagulls outfit. Brighton to win 2-1 is the recommendation.
Liverpool vs Derby
Liverpool against Derby County was last a Premier League fixture back in 2007. Despite this, the two footballing brands still make for a mouth-watering encounter.
The Reds have won six of their last eight games and appear to have returned to top form under Jurgen Klopp.
The last of those wins came away against Tottenham at the weekend, with Mohamed Salah grabbing a brace.
Derby, on the other hand, have endured a stuttering start to their League One campaign. Last week the Rams missed two penalties in a 1-1 draw at Morecambe and drew 2-2 with bottom of the National League Torquay in the FA Cup on Sunday.
What’s more, they’ve only won two of their last nine games across all competitions.
While both clubs share rich histories, we’re backing Liverpool to ease to the next round.
Derby haven’t beaten the Reds since 1999 and a -2 handicap for Klopp’s side is the way to go.
Manchester City vs Chelsea
The pick of the games in round three of the Carabao Cup is without doubt the Etihad Stadium clash between Man City and Chelsea.
The two Premier League giants will likely serve up a low-scoring encounter if their past meetings are anything to go by.
Four of the last five games ended with the 1-0 scoreline – including the 2021 Champions League final which was won by the Blues.
Chelsea are currently lacking form having won just two of their last six games across all competitions.
We’re backing City to win and under 2.5 goals.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Less than a week on from their Premier League clash, Man United and Aston Villa will square off for a second time.
The Villans enjoyed a shock 3-1 win over the Red Devils last Sunday and will take plenty of confidence into their Carabao Cup encounter.
Despite that recent slip-up, Erik ten Hag’s men will be the favourites when Villa arrive at Old Trafford.
United could certainly do with a strong cup run as they target their first trophy since 2017.
Expect the Red Devils to put out a strong side to avenge their league loss. Back a 2-1 win for the hosts.
Key stats
– Everton are winless away vs Bournemouth since 2016
– Bournemouth have lost consecutive games from winning positions
– Newport County knocked out Leicester from FA Cup in 2019
– Leicester have won three of their last four games and conceded just one goal
– Arsenal haven’t conceded a goal in three straight games
– Brighton won two of last three visits to the Emirates
– Derby haven’t beaten Liverpool since 1999
– Liverpool have won six of their last eight games
– Four of the last five Man City vs Chelsea games finished 1-0
– Chelsea have won just two of their last six games
– Man United haven’t won a trophy since 2017
– Aston Villa beat Man United 3-1 last weekend – their second win over the Red Devils since 2009
