Tuesday's EFL Cup predictions including Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace

Ipswich vs. Wolves (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

Seeking to prolong their purple patch and advance to round four of the EFL Cup, Ipswich Town welcome Premier League opposition to Portman Road in the shape of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.

The Tractor Boys overcame Reading on penalties in the second round, while Gary O'Neil's men crushed Blackpool 5-0 to progress this far.

We say: Ipswich Town 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Ipswich to win on penalties)

An in-form Ipswich are a different proposition to a leaky Blackpool for Wolves, who were fortunate to travel home from Luton with a point in the bag and cannot make the fatal mistake of underestimating their Championship counterparts.

Despite their penchant for attacking supremacy at home, Ipswich have also been leaking goals at an alarming rate at Portman Road, so this tie may very well need to be settled from 12 yards after an entertaining draw, where Ipswich's recent shootout exploits can create an upset.

Exeter vs. Luton (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

Fresh from picking up their first-ever point in Premier League football, Luton Town seek a safe passage into the fourth round of the EFL Cup when they travel to League One outfit Exeter City on Tuesday.

The Hatters edged past Gillingham 3-2 in the second round to make it this far, while their hosts have already overcome Crawley Town and Stevenage in the 2023-24 edition.

We say: Exeter City 0-3 Luton Town

Even with a wealth of first-team regulars expected to enjoy a night off, Luton should not have to overcome many obstacles to sink an Exeter crop whose morale is surely at an all-time low.

A first clean sheet of the season should be on the menu for the Hatters too, as Edwards's side end the Grecians' EFL Cup adventure with a routine success at St James Park.

Port Vale vs. Sutton (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

League One outfit Port Vale will welcome fourth-tier Sutton United to Vale Park for Tuesday's third-round tie in the EFL Cup.

The Valiants are making their first appearance in the third round since the 2009-10 season, while the visitors are enjoying their best-ever run in the competition.

We say: Port Vale 2-1 Sutton United

Although Sutton have knocked out two teams in League One to book their place in third round, we think they will be unable to repeat that feat on Tuesday.

We believe that the Valiants will prove too strong for a Sutton side who have failed to win any of their last five competitive games.

Bradford vs. Middlesbrough (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

Bradford City host Middlesbrough at the University of Bradford Stadium on Tuesday night, in the third round of the EFL Cup.

It is the first competitive meeting between the two sides since 2001, when they played out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League.

We say: Bradford City 0-2 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough progressed past League One opposition away from home to reach this stage of the competition, and they should have no trouble beating a mid-table League Two side.

Having picked up a victory against Southampton in their last match, Carrick will be hoping his Boro side can now start to gather some momentum and kickstart their season.

Salford City vs. Burnley (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

Salford City take on Burnley at the Peninsula Stadium on Tuesday night, with the two sides set to meet in the third round of the EFL Cup.

It is the first-ever match between the two teams, who are at opposite ends of the EFL pyramid, with the hosts plying their trade in League Two, while the visitors are in the Premier League.

We say: Salford City 0-2 Burnley

Burnley defeated Nottingham Forest away from home to reach this stage of the competition, and they ply their trade three divisions higher than Salford City.

Given the fact that Salford have also been in very poor form, the Clarets should be able to pick up a fairly comfortable victory on Tuesday night.

Mansfield vs. Peterborough (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

A place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup will be on the line when Mansfield Town face Peterborough United at the One Call Stadium on Tuesday.

Mansfield are yet to lose a competitive game this season, while Peterborough are unbeaten in four matches across all competitions.

We say: Mansfield Town 2-1 Peterborough United

Although Mansfield may be plying their trade in the league below, they demonstrated in their penalty shootout win over Sheffield Wednesday that they can compete with teams in the higher divisions.

Having won four of their five home matches this term, we think the hosts will utilise home advantage to claim a narrow victory over Peterborough on Tuesday.

Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace (Tuesday, 8.00pm)

Manchester United will be aiming to advance to the fourth round of the EFL Cup when they welcome fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

The Red Devils recorded a much-needed 1-0 win over Burnley in the league on Saturday, while Palace will enter the contest off the back of a goalless draw with Fulham earlier in the day.

We say: Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace

Man United's win over Burnley was hugely important, and there should be a different feel surrounding the club entering this match. Both managers will make changes, but we are backing the Red Devils to find a route into the next round of the cup competition.

> How Manchester United could line up against Crystal Palace

> Man United injury, suspension list vs. Palace