Wednesday's EFL Cup predictions including Liverpool vs. West Ham

Arsenal vs. Bolton (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

One of Arsenal's least favoured competitions in recent times, the EFL Cup returns to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening, as the Gunners host Bolton Wanderers in the third round.

While the Gunners bypassed the first two rounds, their visitors have already had to navigate their way past Mansfield Town and Shrewsbury Town to set up a glamour tie with Mikel Arteta's men.

We say: Arsenal 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

It remains to be seen how heavily Arteta is willing to rotate for Wednesday's fixture, but even a second-string and youth-heavy Gunners side ought to run into few roadblocks against a wildly inconsistent Bolton.

The Trotters have conceded multiple goals in each of their last four fixtures and should not suddenly find the formula for defensive success in midweek, as Arteta's men stroll into round four.

> Sterling to start, five full debutants: How Arsenal could line up against Bolton

> Four new blows? Arsenal injury, suspension list for Bolton clash

Liverpool vs. West Ham (Wednesday, 8.00pm)

Clashing in the EFL Cup for the second year running, Liverpool and West Ham United square off in Wednesday's third-round clash at Anfield, as the Reds get the defence of their 2023-24 title underway.

The two Premier League sides come into the affair having been on opposite ends of 3-0 scorelines at the weekend, as the hosts made light work of Bournemouth while Julen Lopetegui's men were outfought and outclassed by London rivals Chelsea.

We say: Liverpool 3-1 West Ham United

Even though both managers will shuffle the pack considerably, West Ham's offensive quartet should still comprise some of their biggest attacking threats, so a Liverpool backline with few minutes under their belt this season should not emerge unscathed.

However, the 3-0 scoreline arguably flattered the leaky Hammers against Chelsea, and Slot's rampant men should have no problem also notching multiple goals en route to a straightforward third-round success.

> Antonio starts, Summerville dropped: West Ham predicted XI against Liverpool

> Chiesa starts as Slot makes 10 changes: How Liverpool could line up vs. West Ham

> Could Alisson return? Liverpool injury news and return dates for West Ham