Club football returns with an absolute cracker in the Carabao Cup. Manchester City go toe-to-toe at the Etihad against defending champions Liverpool in the Round-of-16. Man United start life without Cristiano Ronaldo against Vincent Kompany’s Championship-leading Burnley, and many more
Tuesday 20 December
17/2 MK Dons | Draw 4/1 | Leicester City 1/3 (19:45)
Leicester City has shown they are able to make good cup runs, winning both the FA Cup and EFL Cup in recent years. The Foxes travel South on the M1 to Stadium MK where they last defeated the now League One side 6-0. Back Brendan Rodgers in all multiples.
1/8 Wolves | Draw 13/2 | Gillingham 25/1 (19:45)
Gillingham is still in the swing of things as League Two has remained in full swing throughout the World Cup, but the Southwestern Based club is struggling for form. Wolves are non-the better, rock bottom in the Premier League, but they have maintained a level of focus with two club friendlies. However, newly appointed Julen Lopetegui has to get through this encounter without key players Romain Saiss and Ruben Neves. Still, the Wolves have enough quality to overcome this tie, and for a little value back Only Wolves to score at 1/33.
26/100 Southampton | Draw 24/5 | Lincoln 10/1 (19:45)
Southampton has not been able to show the quality they possess and changing managers mid-season means an entire reshuffle. The Saints’ previous round penalty win over Sheffield Wednesday did, however, show that even in a difficult space an on-paper outlook translates onto the field. Back Southampton to defeat League one side Lincoln and Both teams to Score (Yes) at 9/5.
Happy birthday to @Madders10! 🥳#EFL | @LCFC pic.twitter.com/rnYRhrxk1j
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) November 23, 2022
Wednesday 21 December
85/40 Blackburn | Draw 23/10 | Nottingham Forrest 5/4 (19:45)
Even though Nottingham Forrest boasts the title of a Premier League side, with all due respect they belong in the Championship. So, when the Reds face off with third-placed Championship side Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park it will not be an easy fete. Double Chance Draw/Nottingham at 1/3 is the punt.
4/9 Newcastle | Draw 15/4 | Bournemouth 6/1 (19:45)
St James’s Park has become a fortress that Bournemouth has had to face this season already. A 1-1 draw ensued where The Magpies should have capitalized on all three points. You can be sure Eddie Howe will right his side’s wrongs when facing current caretaker manager Gary O’Neil. Newcastle will use this fixture as a competitive warm-up to hit the ground running when they restart their impressive Premier League campaign thus far. Back the home team.
7/1 Charlton | Draw 21/5 | Brighton 7/20 (19:45)
This one is as straightforward as it seems. Brighton had an impressive eight players representing them at the World Cup, and star performer Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina will be the only player more than likely to miss this fixture against League One outfit, Charlton. Replacing Graham Potter seemed a tough ask, but Italian Roberto De Zerbi has been a breath of fresh air for the Seagulls. At 7/20 back Brighton in all multiples.
42/100 Man United | Draw 15/4 | Burnley 6/1 (20:00)
Manchester United ended the Premier League campaign under major scrutiny by former player Cristiano Ronaldo which led to some massive off-field changes. While there seems to be steadily growing stability on the field under Erik Ten Hag, a matchup with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is bound to produce fireworks. This is not the same Burnley side we’ve come to know under Sean Dyche and they lead the Championship with goals galore. Burnley on the Draw/Win Double Chance at 9/5 is not unlikely.
Thursday 22 December
10/11 Man City | Draw 5/2 | Liverpool 11/4 (20:00)
The defending champions Liverpool travel to the Etihad Stadium to face their toughest challenge eight-time League Cup winners Manchester City.
There is a stark contrast to the form Liverpool possessed last season to the current, and Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have faced further injuries to add to the insults. Seven of the scouser side departed for Qatar, and just one remains – Ibrahim Konate and Joel Matip’s return is refreshing – but Klopp sustained another blow as Luis Diaz is set for knee surgery. – but five players still get a week of rest and recuperation earmarked to return to camp on the 19th of December. If all is well, some may feature from the bench.
Liverpool has shown even in their darkest hour, they can come out on top against the best in the league defeating Man City in their last three meetings.
Manchester City had a huge chunk of their players participating in the World Cup, but just Julián Álvarez will miss the big matchup. Pep Guardiola will not be perturbed as Erling Haaland has been primed and ready itching to get back on the field.
Somehow, Liverpool is always the kryptonite of the Sky Blues and has not won at the Etihad since 2020. I’m backing recent history here and the Draw/Win Double Chance in favour of Liverpool at 5/6 is hard to pass up.
Man City up next for the Reds in the Carabao Cup. 🔴
— Boss Liverpool Goals (@BossLFCgoals) December 18, 2022
Here’s Mo Salah’s genius goal in our 1-0 win over them in October with Peter Drury’s boss commentary! 🇪🇬👑
pic.twitter.com/p5tHrOwd0D
