EFL Cup 4th Round: Klopp’s Kids Can Eliminate Arsenal

Burton Albion v Leicester City

Having put a record nine goals past 10-man Southampton on the south coast on Friday, it is hard to see past a win for Leicester in this midlands derby although it is unlikely to be as emphatic as some might believe.

The Brewers failed to break down a Blackpool side who had 10-men for the best part of half an hour in their goalless draw at the Pirelli Stadium at the weekend, and currently sit midtable in League One. Let’s not forget that they did beat Bournemouth 2-0 in the last round, however, and I think they will give Brendan Rodgers’ side a real test with the Foxes boss sure to shuffle his pack.

Tip: Leicester to win and both teams to score

Everton v Watford

These two sides have already met at Goodison Park this season in the Premier League with Everton coming out winners courtesy of an early Bernard goal. Both sides are struggling in the Premier League and both managers are likely to make changes with home league games this weekend.

The Hornets have failed to score in six of their 10 league games so far this term, but they are likely to have their own opportunities on Merseyside although I feel it will be Marco Silva’s Blues who make it through to the last eight at the expense of his former club.

Tip: Everton to win

Manchester City v Southampton

Southampton travel to the Etihad on the back of their St Mary’s humiliation at the hands of Leicester and things are likely to get worse for the Saints before they get better especially when you consider they face a return journey to the Etihad on Saturday in the Premier League.

The holders had to be patient against Aston Villa at the weekend, but I would be surprised if they didn’t stamp their authority at an early stage in this tie. Ralph Hasenhuttl needs a positive reaction from his side after Friday night’s horror show and I feel he will get one although I expect the result, if not the score-line, to be the same.

Tip: City to win and both teams to score

Liverpool v Arsenal

Liverpool overcame the loss of a first minute Harry Kane goal to run out narrow, but worthy, winners against Spurs on Sunday and I expect the Reds to have too much quality for an Arsenal side who lost a 2-0 lead against Crystal Palace on Sunday in a controversial London derby.

Both sides are likely to make several changes for the tie but both clubs have deep, and talented, squads and it promises to be a cracking game. The Reds steamrollered the Gunners in the league game earlier in the season and I expect Jurgen Klopp’s side to reach the quarterfinals.

Tip: Liverpool halftime/fulltime

Aston Villa v Wolves

This is a tough game to call and I can’t split the sides in this Midlands derby. Indeed, I think it will be decided from the penalty spot.

Villa are unlikely to risk skipper Jack Grealish who was injured at the Etihad at the weekend while Wolves have had a hectic schedule since the start of the season – although they currently seem to be thriving on it.

Tip: Game to finish in a scoring draw

Chelsea v Manchester United

Manchester United fans will have been delighted to see their team back up their performance against Liverpool with successive away wins in recent days, but I feel their mini-revival will come a cropper against Chelsea in what promises to be another terrific cup-tie.

Chelsea have won their last seven games in all competitions and I expect to see Frank Lampard’s side gain revenge for their comprehensive opening day loss to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the Premier League.

Tip: Chelsea to win