BetVictor Brand Ambassador Michael Owen has given us his football EFL Cup Quarter-Finals Preview and picked out his top tips for the 4 games.
Both teams to score
Brentford 1-1 Newcastle
Brentford come into this unbeaten in their last 13 matches. The Bees’ ended the hopes of Premier League sides Southampton, West Brom and Fulham in each of the last 3 rounds, so they will be full of confidence coming into this one.
Newcastle continue to keep their head above water in the Premier League. However, Steve Bruce’s side have won only 2 of their last 6 and have been picking up most of their points from teams in and around them.
I think this could be tight. Brentford have every reason to fancy their chances, but I do think Newcastle may just have enough to squeeze through in a tie that could go all the way.
Manchester City to win to nil
Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City
It’s now 7 matches without a win for Arsenal. The last thing Mikel Arteta needs is a visit from Manchester City, but that’s exactly what he’s got.
I’ve been impressed with City’s defensive displays recently. They really seem to have turned the corner in that regard.
With that in mind, I fear for the Gunners once again. The home side have failed to score against the Citizens in each of their last 3 matches at the Emirates, and I won’t be surprised if history repeats itself again.
Tottenham -1
Stoke City 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Stoke host Spurs having lost only once in their last 7 matches. They’ve had 6 clean sheets in that time, so Tottenham will know they’re up against a well organised side.
Jose Mourinho had a week to forget, ending on Sunday with a dismal 2-0 defeat at home to Leicester.
If anything, I think that could spur them on. Tottenham crave silverware, and if history tells us anything, it’s that Mourinho will be taking this one seriously.
Everton 1-1 Manchester United
Everton to qualify
Manchester United arrive at Goodison Park on a major high. Sunday’s thrashing of Leeds means that the Red Devils are undefeated in their last 7 domestic matches and can also boast a win on this ground already this season.
Similarly, Everton arrive here in good form. The Toffees have dispatched Arsenal, Leicester and Chelsea in recent weeks, so they’ll absolutely be confident of going through to the semi-finals.
This could be another tight match that could go all the way. I have a suspicion that United might play a weakened starting XI, and if that materialises, I think Carlo Ancelotti’s men could nick it.
