Wednesday's EFL Cup predictions and free football tips

Where to watch

All matches are live on Sky Sports+

Best bets

Liverpool to win & over 2.5 goals
7.30pm Wednesday
1pt 15-8 bet365

Aston Villa to win & under 3.5 goals
7.45pm Wednesday
1pt 17-10 Coral & Ladbrokes

Arsenal to win & both teams to score
7.45pm Wednesday
1pt 15-8 bet365

Wednesday's EFL Cup predictions

Brighton vs Liverpool

Liverpool have won the EFL Cup in two of the last three seasons and the manner of their 5-1 thrashing of West Ham in the previous round suggests a successful trophy defence may be on Arne Slot’s agenda.

A trip to Brighton requires maximum focus but the Reds are unbeaten in nine and they have won six of their seven away games this season, failing only in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at title rivals Arsenal.

But there has been no shortage of goals at the Amex this season, where five of Brighton’s seven games have produced at least four, so the Seagulls may play their part in a high-octane encounter.

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace claimed a vital Premier League victory at home to Tottenham on Sunday to end an eight-game winless run, but they may crash out of the EFL Cup at the hands of Aston Villa, who have shown that they have no problem managing a hectic schedule.

Champions League representatives Villa are unbeaten in 11 matches and they will be keen to respond after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home Bournemouth, who bagged an injury-time equaliser.

Nine of Palace’s 11 matches this season have featuring no more than three goals so it is unlikely to be a cup classic.

Newcastle vs Chelsea

Chelsea had Newcastle’s measure in a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday but the EFL Cup will be high on the Magpies’ list of priorities and with home advantage they may fancy exacting some revenge.

However, Eddie Howe’s side are winless in five league games, having scored only three times, which should temper any enthusiasm to get involved against a Chelsea side on a clear upward trajectory.

Manchester United vs Leicester 

Manchester United get set for their first match since sacking Erik Ten Hag and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is unlikely to take many risks with his team selection in this tie with Leicester.

The Red Devils should get the job done but they’re a risky proposition at 4-11 given they have won only one of their last eight and Leicester’s performances are improving.

Preston vs Arsenal

Given the number of injuries Arsenal are dealing with and their relentless schedule, Mikel Arteta may opt to name a young side for this trip to Championship side Preston.

That was the case in their 5-1 trouncing of Bolton in the third round and, while they should still have enough in reserve to advance, it offers Preston hope of getting on the scoresheet.

Arsenal have conceded in six of their last eight matches and Preston should be buoyed by the fact that they are unbeaten in seven at Deepdale, having already knocked out Championship leaders Sunderland and Fulham at home in this season’s EFL Cup.

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