Knowing what it is like to win this trophy, Brand Ambassador Michael Owen‘s EFL Cup preview includes a couple of potential upsets.
Arsenal v Leeds
Arsenal to win 2-1
Arsenal looked in very good form in Friday’s win over Villa. I thought they played with great energy, led by Emile Smith Rowe.
Arsenal have won the FA Cup under Arteta, and he’ll fancy another Cup run here. I’m going 2-1 Arsenal.
Chelsea v Southampton
Chelsea to win 2-0
That was an outstanding performance by Chelsea on Saturday. They’ll make a few changes here, but they have such a big squad that I can’t see it being an issue.
Southampton have bigger issues to worry about in the league, so I’m predicting a 2-0 win.
QPR v Sunderland
QPR to win 2-1
Both teams have started their seasons well and QPR are the Championship’s joint 2nd highest scorers. I think they’ll narrowly edge this 2-1.
Burnley v Tottenham
Burnley to win 1-0
I fancy Burnley to nick this one. I thought Spurs were poor on Sunday and they’ve disappointed in the UEFA Conference League so far this season. I’m saying 1-0 to Burnley.
Leicester v Brighton
Leicester to win 2-0
Leicester are beginning to find their best form. That was a good win on Sunday and after winning last season’s FA Cup, Brendan Rodgers will be eyeing more silverware here. I’m going for 2-0 to the Foxes.
Preston v Liverpool
Liverpool to win 2-0
After Sunday’s masterclass at Old Trafford, the squad must be full of confidence. I don’t expect we’ll see the same team here, but Liverpool will have too much for a Preston side who are struggling in the Championship.
2-0 Liverpool is my prediction.
Stoke v Brentford
Brentford to win 2-0
Stoke have made a good start to their season but have now lost three in a row. I think that will become four as Brentford will be too strong for them here. I fancy a 2-0 win for the Bees.
West Ham v Man City
Match to end 1-1
This is the hardest of all the games to predict. Both sides are in great form, and I don’t think we’ll see too many changes to the line-ups for this one.
West Ham have been strong at home, so I think it’ll be tight. That said, the longer it goes, I wouldn’t be surprised if City nicked it after normal time.
It could go all the way, so I’m looking forward to a great game.