Carabao Cup – Third-Round Preview
The Carabao Cup resumes this week at the third round stage, which means Premier League teams join the action. Some heavyweight clashes are taking place this week, including Bournemouth v Everton, Newcastle United v Palace, Manchester City v Chelsea and Manchester United v Aston Villa. We highlight the games to consider when betting.
Carabao Cup – Bournemouth v Everton (Tuesday)
One of the highlights of Tuesday’s round of games is the all-Premier League tie between strugglers Bournemouth and Everton, who possibly have more on their minds, such as league survival. Bournemouth currently sits 17th in the table, a place and a point behind Everton. As we discussed in this week’s betting week in review, Everton lost 2-0 to Leicester, and Bournemouth lost 4-3 to Leeds United.
Betting Prediction- 1-1 – (11/2 with bet365 ) – As the teams meet in the league on Saturday, expect both teams to field weakened sides.
Carabao Cup – Bristol City v Lincoln City (Tuesday)
Unless you are of the older generation, you will not have seen a game between Championship side Bristol City and League One side Lincoln as the last time they met was in 1986. Bristol City is 16th in the Championship with just one win in six, whereas Lincoln is 13th in League One with just one defeat in six.
Betting Prediction- 1-1 (13/2 with bet365) – We would fancy Lincoln to pull off an upset. However, they have several injuries and could be without six key players.
Other Tuesday fixtures: Brentford v Gillingham, Burnley v Crawley Town, Leicester City v Newport County, Milton Keynes Dons v Morecambe and Stevenage v Charlton Athletic.
Carabao Cup – Manchester City v Chelsea (Wednesday)
Despite having two quality players for every position, Manchester City has not been at their best in their last two league games against Leicester and Fulham but still managed to get wins in both games. In contrast, Chelsea has lost their last two against Brighton and Arsenal.
Betting Prediction- 3-1 (10/1 with bet365) – City has won this trophy four times in the last five years and will be keen to retain their crown after being knocked out on penalties by West Ham last season.
Carabao Cup – Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion (Wednesday)
Another interesting all-Premier League tie is the clash between Arsenal v Brighton. Arsenal is top of the Premier League and in fine form, suffering just two defeats in all competitions this season (Manchester United & PSV). Brighton is sixth in the league but much more erratic, losing three in the last six in the Premier League alone.
Betting Prediction- 2-1 (15/2 with bet365) – a tough game for both sides, but we expect Arsenal will scrape through.
Other Fixtures: Newcastle United v Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers. Wolves v Leeds and Liverpool v Derby.
Carabao Cup – Manchester United v Aston Villa (Thursday)
Like many pundits, we predicted a Manchester United win over Aston Villa at the weekend, but the Villians pulled off a shock, beating the Red Devils 3-1. New manager Unai Emery could pull off a sensational double with a win here.
Betting Prediction- 3-1 (12/1 with bet365) – With home advantage, we expect revenge for Manchester United.
What Channel Are Carabao Cup Games Shown On?
Despite the massive interest in games, only two fixtures are televised in the UK this round.
On Wednesday, the Manchester City v Chelsea game will be broadcasted on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. The clash on Thursday between Manchester United and Aston Villa will also be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Overseas football fans have more choices in games to watch as beIN Sports (Australia), DAZN (Canada), Supersport (South Africa) and ESPN+ (USA) all show games.
The draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup will take place after the Manchester United v Aston Villa tie. As that fixture could go to extra time, the draw could be delayed
