We're only at the end of September but the Carabao Cup has reached the last 16 stage. This season is like no other and due to the Champions League not starting for some time, the Carabao Cup fixtures have been put in the spots before hand. There are eight fixtures across these three days and below is who I think will progress.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea
Tottenham have by far had the most difficult start to the season, playing in three different competitions and having to fly to Bulgaria and North Macedonia, and Jose Mourinho has already said he'll have to sacrifice this match. You can't really blame Mourinho for this as he's been put in a compromising position by the schedule so it seems Chelsea will win quite comfortably.
Prediction - Chelsea
Newport County vs Newcastle United
In recent seasons, Newport have made a name for themselves as the team who provides the most giant-killing in the domestic cup competitions. Newcastle, by contrast, have made a name for themselves of never trying to play football - exhibit A on Sunday. Newport have pedigree, beating Leicester and Middlesbrough recently, but Newcastle did demolish Morecambe 7-0 is the last round. I love cup upsets and if there's one team to do it, it's Newport.
Prediction - Newport County
Burnley vs Manchester City
All-Premier League ties like Burnley against Manchester City are perhaps the least inspiring. You've seen this match so many times before and in the end, Manchester City win. Despite their shock 5-2 loss at the weekend, City are simply a superior side to Burnley and although there are injury problems within the squad, I suspect City will still prove too strong.
Prediction - Manchester City
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United
In the first of two weekend repeats, Brighton may smell blood. They created so many more chances than Manchester United and if Leandro Trossard was a bit more composed, they could have walked away with all three points. This match depends upon whether both sides take this game seriously. The Carabao Cup is not a priority in either side's seasons but there's a quarter-final spot at stake. Manchester United have been poor in their two league matches thus far but I reckon they will still go through, due to their better squad depth.
Prediction - Manchester United
Everton vs West Ham United
Carlo Ancelotti fielded a strong Everton side in the 5-2 victory over Fleetwood which makes you think he'll do the same against West Ham. The Toffees have been scintillating in every match but West Ham will no doubt be boosted by David Moyes not being at the match. (Only joking!) The 4-0 win against Wolves was the best the Hammers have played in a long time but Everton are a better team than them and will win. Could it be their first silverware since 1995?
Prediction - Everton
Brentford vs Fulham
In a replay of the recent play-off final, Brentford were very confident they would be the final team to gain promotion to the Premier League but lost to their city rivals Fulham. Brentford have started okay but it is much better than Fulham, with Paddy Power already paying out on bets for them to be relegated. The home side will be hoping to get revenge for the play-off final loss and with Fulham already down in the dumps, I reckon a supposed weaker side will go through.
Prediction - Brentford
Aston Villa vs Stoke City
Villa, unlike Fulham, have been perfect this season, recording three wins from three in the league and playing some good stuff in their last match. Their run to the Carabao Cup final last season provided a light in what was a pretty dim season and Dean Smith, a Villa fan, will no doubt see this cup again as an opportunity to win a trophy with his side. Stoke have had a mediocre start in the Championship under Michael O'Neill and I don't see them getting the better of Villa.
Prediction - Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Liverpool were not sloppy as they beat Arsenal 3-1 last night. They meet again on Thursday and, from past experiences, you'd expect Jurgen Klopp to rotate heavily but Mikel Arteta might not sing from the same hymn sheet. Arsenal have excelled in the FA Cup in years gone by but they struggled on Monday against the Liverpool press. They had some success at playing through the high line but the press from the front was too much for the Arsenal defenders to handle. Liverpool, no matter what team Klopp puts out, will play the same way and Diogo Jota will only make their second-choice squad stronger.
Prediction - Liverpool
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