Wednesday's EFL Cup predictions including Tottenham vs. Man City

Brighton vs. Liverpool (Wednesday, 7.30pm)

Kicking off a double-header of head-to-heads, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool clash in the fourth round of the EFL Cup at the Amex on Wednesday evening, a few days before also crossing paths in the Premier League.

The Reds got the defence of their crown off to a flying start with a 5-1 crushing of West Ham United in round three, while Fabian Hurzeler's team edged a five-goal thriller with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

We say: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 Liverpool

Slot highlighted the fact that Arsenal had an extra day to recover from their Champions League exploits before Sunday's draw, and the same will be true on Wednesday against a Brighton side who seldom have problems finding the net at home.

However, the Reds have become away-day specialists during Slot's short time at the helm and should remain on course for back-to-back EFL Cup trophy lifts, even if any victory on Wednesday is not as emphatic as the travelling faithful might wish for.

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Newcastle vs. Chelsea (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Three days after their Stamford Bridge showdown, Newcastle United and Chelsea will lock horns at St James' Park as they fight for a place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.

The Magpies will be striving to build some momentum following a worrying start to the campaign, whilst the Blues are aiming to continue their excellent early-season form by the way of a fourth-round success in this competition.

We say: Newcastle United 1-2 Chelsea

With both teams set to make a raft of changes to their XIs, we are expecting a scrappy affair in which moments of magic will decide the winner.

As shown during the early stages of their Conference League campaign, Chelsea have an embarrassment of riches in attacking areas and should have enough quality to squeeze past the Magpies and into the quarter-finals.

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Man Utd vs. Leicester (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

For the first time since the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United will take to the field as they welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford for an EFL Cup last-16 clash on Wednesday night.

The Red Devils are looking to build some momentum following a loss at West Ham United on Sunday, whilst the Foxes will be ready for much-needed respite from a relegation fight in the Premier League.

We say: Manchester United 2-0 Leicester City

Potentially looking to take the job on permanently, interim boss Van Nistelrooy will be desperate to impress his employers as Man United face Leicester on Wednesday.

Despite the quality of the opposition, the Foxes are set to make a raft of changes to their XI, meaning that we can only imagine a defeat for the visitors to Old Trafford.

> Wholesale changes? Predicted Leicester lineup against Man United

> Van Nistelrooy in control: How Man United could line up against Leicester

> Mazraoui latest: Man United injury & suspension news ahead of Leicester clash

Preston vs. Arsenal (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

After both were involved in engrossing stalemates at the weekend, Preston North End and Arsenal now vie for a spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals at Deepdale on Wednesday evening, a matchup between the only two clubs in English football to ever complete a top-flight Invincibles season.

The Gunners humiliated Bolton Wanderers 5-1 to progress to round four, while their Championship hosts came out on top against Fulham in one of the most epic penalty shootouts English football has ever seen.

We say: Preston North End 0-2 Arsenal

In the wake of Saturday's calamitous collapse, it would be no surprise to see Preston adopt an all-out defensive approach in the hope of stifling Arteta's side, which will no doubt have a second-string feel to it.

However, the young guns should breach the hosts' rearguard eventually, and we can only envisage Arsenal making it through to the last eight without breaking too much of a sweat.

> Former Gunner to start up front? How Preston could line up against Arsenal

> Another debutant for Arteta? How Arsenal could line up against Preston

> Two new concerns for Arteta: Arsenal injury list for Preston clash

Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

One of five all-Premier League EFL Cup last-16 ties taking place on Wednesday evening, Aston Villa take on Crystal Palace with a place in the quarter-final draw up for grabs.

The Lions edged out Wycombe Wanderers to make it this far in the tournament, while Oliver Glasner's men have already eliminated Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers from this year's edition.

We say: Aston Villa 1-1 Crystal Palace (Villa win on penalties)

Palace boss Glasner went incredibly strong for the third-round win over QPR and can afford to do so again with no European football to take into account, which is more than can be said for the Villans.

The Eagles should also arrive in the West Midlands with a spring in their step from the weekend and can take their hosts to penalties, but with the home crowd behind them and top-class quality in reserve, Emery's men still have our backing to edge the shootout.

Spurs vs. Man City (Wednesday, 8.15pm)

Aiming to end their 16-year trophy drought, Tottenham Hotspur will welcome English champions Manchester City to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for an EFL Cup last-16 clash on Wednesday night.

The Lilywhites will be looking to bounce back following a loss at Crystal Palace on Sunday, whilst the Citizens are striving to build on a narrow win over struggling Southampton a day earlier.

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester City

With Manchester City set to include a number of academy players in their squad, Tottenham will sense the opportunity to book their spot in the quarter-finals on Wednesday night.

That being said, a Guardiola side littered with first-team stars should still be more than a match for the Lilywhites, who we expect to exit the EFL Cup following a narrow defeat in North London.

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> De Bruyne, Walker latest: Man City injury, suspension list vs. Tottenham

> Erling Haaland's record vs. Spurs