Carabao Cup action returns this week as the Premier League finest join the average sides in the third round of the competition and below are our predictions.
Third Round Carabao Cup Prediction
I have made predictions on each of the Carabao Cup Third Round fixtures including Chelsea vs Brighton, Liverpool vs Leicester City.
Salford City vs Burnley
Burnley haven't won in the Premier League this season but they won the second round in this competition and I've backed the Clarets to build their confidence with a comfortable win.
Prediction: Salford 1-3 Burnley
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals
Exeter City vs Luton Town
Luton Town are miles above Exeter but we've seen the big guns succumb to average sides in this competition. There's a chance Luton would crash out of this competition in order to focus on surviving in the Prem, hence I've backed the home side, who have won 5 of their opening 9 League One games.
Prediction: Exeter 2-1 Luton Town
Betting Tip: BTTS
Ipswich Town vs Wolves
Wolves are keen on bouncing back to winning ways. They drew 1-1 at Luton Town last time out and I think they will do anything in their power to remain in the competition. However, they come up against on-form Ipswich side, who occupy the 2nd position in the Championship. It's obviously going to be a tight game but I've backed the hosts to go through.
Prediction: Ipswich 2-1 Wolves
Betting Tip: BTTS
Mansfield vs Peterborough
Mansfield are unbeaten in League Two this season after nine matches and there's a chance they can hold Peterborough to a draw after regular time. This tie could be decided on penalties. Peterborough are inconsistent, hence there's a chance to expect goals on both ends.
Prediction: 1-1 Peterborough
Betting Tip: BTTS
Bradford City vs Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have struggled to win games this season. They recently won their first game in the Championship after nine attempts. Bradford City are equally struggling for form in League Two with three wins in their opening nine games. This game means a lot to Michael Carrick, who is under pressure to replicate last season's form. And as a result, I have back the Boros to build their confidence with a win at Bradford.
Prediction: Bradford 1-3 Middlesbrough
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals
Port Vale vs Sutton United
Port Vale are in superb form, unlike Sutton United, who are occupying the last position in League Two. Port Vale are in 4th with 17 points after 9 matches. As a result, they are the clear favourites to win the game.
Prediction: Port Vale 2-0 Sutton United
Betting Tip: HWEH
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
The Red Devils are a different force at home. They recently got a win at Burnley after a poor performance though. I feel Manchester United will reset and put up a monster show against the Eagles, which would be too much for Palace, who played a drab goalless draw at home to Fulham, to handle.
Prediction: Man United 2-0 Crystal Palace
Betting Tip: Under 3.5 goals
Liverpool vs Leicester City
Whenever these two teams meets, loads of goals are scored and I am anticipating the same. Liverpool are nearly unbeatable at home, hence I've backed them to maintain their resounding displays over the Forces.
Prediction: Liverpool 4-1 Leicester City
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals
Blackburn Rovers vs Cardiff City
Blackburn have been inconsistent this season, having won only three of their opening eight Championship matches unlike Cardiff City who are in decent form in the same competition with four wins and one defeat in eight games. As a result, I have backed them to seal a tight win.
Prediction: Blackburn 1-2 Cardiff City
Betting Tip: BTTS
Lincoln City vs West Ham United
It's obviously a lightweight work for the Hammers to go through because Lincoln City are struggling in League One.
Prediction: Lincoln City 0-2 West Ham
Betting Tip: West Ham to score 2+ goals
Chelsea vs Brighton
The Blues are lacking in form and that's exactly what Brighton will want to capitalise on. However, Chelsea's performance against Aston Villa was solid but only lacked goals due to their poor finishing and communication in the final third. If they replicate that same form against Brighton and improve on their decisions in the opposition half, then I see them going through and I think they would.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Brighton
Betting Tip: Under 2.5 goals
Bournemouth vs Stoke City
Stoke City are in dire form, having lost five of their opening eight Championship matches. Bournemouth are also struggling too but I feel they will use this game to build their confidence, plus they are at home.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Stoke City
Betting Tip: Over 1.5 goals
Brentford vs Arsenal
The mistake Arsenal made last season was not to play their best playes in domestic competitions and that saw Mikel Arteta and his lads finish the season without a trophy. Not sure if the Spaniard has learned from last term, hence I have backed the Bees to win this game.
Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Arsenal
Betting Tip: BTTS
Aston Villa vs Everton
Unai Emery believes he can win a trophy at Villa and he's not targetting trophies as the Carabao Cup, then I don't what he has in minds. Everton as struggling, hence I have backed the Villas to get a comfortable win.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Everton
Betting Tip: Over 1.5 goals
Fulham vs Norwich City
Fulham are stronger at home and don't take home games jokingly. Norwich haven't done well in the Championship this season so far, hence I am expecting their inconsistent season to continue this week.
Prediction: Fulham 3-0 Norwich City
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals
Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Man City are without a numbe of first team players due to injury issues and with Newcastle United scoring goals for fun, I am convinced they will finally get their long-awaited win over the Citizens.
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Man City
Betting Tip: BTTS