West Ham vs. Blackburn (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
West Ham United will be looking to bounce back from successive defeats in the Premier League when they face Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday evening.
At a time when the Hammers are down in 15th position in the Premier League standings, Blackburn are second in the Championship as they bid for a return to the top flight.
We say: West Ham United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
With Blackburn's priorities elsewhere, they are unlikely to put out a first-choice lineup. Given West Ham's superior strength-in-depth, it could prove to be a routine evening for the Hammers, who need to head into the World Cup break on a high note.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Wolves vs. Leeds (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
A first-ever EFL Cup meeting between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United takes place on Wednesday night, as the two sides renew hostilities for round three.
Steve Davis's side beat Preston North End 2-1 in round two to make it this far, while the Whites overcame Barnsley by three goals to one.
We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 Leeds United (Wolves to win on penalties)
Leeds are certainly leaving Wolves behind at the bottom of the Premier League table, but rotation on both ends could open this tie up for an exciting, end-to-end affair, especially with the hosts now improving on the attacking front.
We would not be surprised to see this encounter end all square at Molineux, and with the vociferous home support behind them, Wolves can edge the penalty kicks to advance to the fourth round.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Nott'm Forest vs. Spurs (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to book their spot in the fourth round of the EFL Cup when they make the trip to fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.
Spurs will enter the contest off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, while Forest claimed a point in a 2-2 draw with Brentford on Saturday.
We say: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Both managers will make wholesale changes from their respective Premier League games at the weekend, and it is difficult to predict exactly what will happen in this match, especially as it comes before one more set of Premier League games ahead of the season coming to a halt. Conte will be able to call on the greater quality in reserve, though, and we are therefore backing the visitors to shade this match.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Tottenham Hotspur could line up against Nottingham Forest
> Tottenham injury, suspension list vs. Forest
Newcastle vs. Crystal Palace (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Newcastle United will look to continue their excellent campaign when they play host to Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday evening.
However, at a time when the Magpies have moved into third spot in the Premier League table, Palace are 10th in the top flight after posting successive wins.
We say: Newcastle United 3-1 Crystal Palace
Both managers will make changes for this game, which should give Palace more chance of achieving a surprise win. However, we can see Newcastle still coming through this contest with the win, potentially in the final stages if some of their senior crop are introduced.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Southampton vs. Sheff Weds (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Managerless Southampton play host to Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday evening.
At a time when the Saints sit in 18th position in the Premier League standings, Sheffield Wednesday occupy third spot in the League One table.
We say: Southampton 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday
Given the uncertainty at the Saints, Wednesday will fancy their chances of causing the upset. Nevertheless Southampton have plenty of prospects wanting to make an impression, leading us to predict a narrow home victory.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Arsenal vs. Brighton (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Arsenal begin their quest to end a 30-year drought without an EFL Cup honour to their name when Brighton & Hove Albion visit the Emirates for the third round on Wednesday evening.
While the Gunners enter at this stage of the competition, the Seagulls have already had to defeat Forest Green Rovers 3-0 to make it this far.
We say: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Arsenal's reserve players have not been able to dominate teams in the same way that Arteta's main men have this term, and a Brighton side who could choose to name a relatively strong XI know that the pressure is firmly off in North London.
The home crowd should not expect to witness an Emirates mauling here, but Brighton's defensive frailties on the road should be exposed by an in-form Arsenal as the Gunners book their place in round four.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Arsenal could line up against Brighton
> Arsenal injury, suspension list vs. Brighton
Liverpool vs. Derby (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
© Reuters
Liverpool commence the defence of their EFL Cup crown on Wednesday evening, when Derby County visit Anfield for the third round.
The Reds defeated Chelsea on penalties in the final of the 2021-22 edition, while the Rams have beaten Mansfield Town and West Bromwich Albion in the current tournament.
We say: Liverpool 3-0 Derby County
Even if McGoldrick fights off his virus in time to make the squad, Derby will not be expecting miracles on the Anfield turf, and confidence will not exactly be sky-high after the weekend.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will certainly use this opportunity to rotate their resources, but we can only picture Klopp's side sailing through to the fourth round.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Liverpool could line up against Derby County
> Liverpool injury, suspension list vs. Derby County
Man City vs. Chelsea (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
© Reuters
The standout fixture in this week's EFL Cup third-round ties takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, as Manchester City play host to Chelsea.
The Citizens enter the contest on the back of a last-gasp 2-1 win over Fulham in the Premier League, while the Blues suffered a 1-0 London derby defeat to Arsenal.
We say: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea
Neither manager should field their strongest XIs for this blockbuster EFL Cup contest, and City may have lost their stronghold on this competition last year, but those in sky blue should be celebrating come the final whistle on Wednesday.
Guardiola's side have only known how to win at the Etihad so far, whereas Chelsea just cannot find the formula for success against their domestic rivals, so we expect the hosts to seal their place in the fourth round.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Chelsea could line up against Man City
> How Man City could line up against Chelsea
> Chelsea injury, suspension list vs. Man City
> Manchester City injury, suspension list vs. Chelsea
Ben Knapton
