The round of 16 in the Carabao Cup signals the resumption of football in England this week. There are some intriguing ties to look ahead to, with all eyes set on the showdown between Manchester City and Liverpool on Thursday. But, which teams look good value to make it through in every tie?
MK Dons vs Leicester City
Leicester City appeared to have turned a corner before the break for the World Cup, as they picked up four victories from their previous five. However, this looks to be a good test for the Foxes, as MK Dons come into this fixture after a rare win against Portsmouth over the weekend. However, the Dons still have something to find, as they sit 22nd in League One. Therefore, the preference would be for the Foxes to get the win.
Pick: Leicester at 4/10 with BetXchange.
Newcastle vs Bournemouth
There will be an all-Premier League clash in the round of 16 on Tuesday, as Newcastle look to continue their excellent form this term. Bournemouth will also be looking to kick on after picking up a win in their previous fixture before the break in play. However, given that both managers are likely to make changes for this fixture, a draw could be the most likely outcome.
Pick: Draw at 7/2 with BetXchange.
Southampton vs Lincoln City
Nathan Jones will take charge of Southampton for the first time on Tuesday evening, as the Saints look to end a three game losing run. Lincoln City will pose a decent challenge for Southampton in this fixture, but they are winless in their previous two in the league. Therefore, we could see the Saints getting a morale-boosting win at St Mary’s.
Pick: Southampton at 3/10 with BetXchange.
Wolves vs Gillingham
The team rock-bottom of the Football League will face a huge challenge on Tuesday, as Gillingham look to cause a massive upset against Wolves. Julen Lopetegui takes charge of the Midlands team for the first time on Tuesday, and we struggle to see anything other than a home win.
Pick: Wolves at 1/7 with BetXchange.
Blackburn Rovers vs Nottingham Forest
One of the big upsets at this stage of the competition could come at Ewood Park. Nottingham Forest is likely to field a completely different team with the aim for the season still centring around Premier League survival. Meanwhile, Blackburn has been in strong form throughout the season, and currently sit third in the Championship.
Pick: Blackburn at 39/20 with BetXchange.
Charlton vs Brighton
This should be an entertaining fixture at the Valley, as Brighton look to extend their excellent record this season. They come into this after winning two of their previous three. However, we could see Charlton making a game of this fixture despite losing their previous three in all competitions.
Pick: Draw at 4/1 with BetXchange.
Manchester United vs Burnley
Old Trafford welcomes football’s return on Wednesday, as the Theatre of Dreams will be the setting for Manchester United vs Burnley. The Clarets sit top of the Championship after a strong start under Vincent Kompany, but they have a poor record against United. Erik ten Hag is expected to make changes for this fixture, but we still expect the Red Devils to edge through.
Pick: Manchester United at 4/10 with BetXchange.
Manchester City vs Liverpool
The standout tie in the Carabao Cup this week comes from the Etihad, as Manchester City host Liverpool. Both teams could field strong starting line-ups, with both Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah fresh after missing the World Cup. We could see these two talented sides playing out an entertaining draw, with City progressing on penalties.
