Tuesday, November 29, 2016

EFL Cup quarter-final wins for Man Utd and Arsenal, says Charlie Nicholas

Charlie Nicholas gives us his predictions for the EFL Cup quarter-finals, __with Liverpool v Leeds and Manchester United v West Ham live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

The Soccer Saturday pundit is expecting home advantage to result in an semi-final line-up consisting of Premier League teams, despite Sky Bet Championship leaders Newcastle being rated favourites for their trip to Hull City.

Here is what Charlie is backing in his Sky Bet tips...

Liverpool v Leeds United (Tuesday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7.30pm)

Liverpool will make changes, regardless of the forced one in terms of Philippe Coutinho. Daniel Sturridge looks like he'll miss out so Divock Origi will get the chance he has earned, while they've also got the likes of Lucas Leiva to come in.

The Reds can't make many changes defensively, though, which will be a positive thing for them here given they've finally put together a couple of clean sheets.

Divock Origi should start for Liverpool against Leeds United on Tuesday
Divock Origi should start for Liverpool against Leeds United on Tuesday

You must applaud what Garry Monk has done at Leeds. I'm not sure stability is the right word, because I don't think that's possible at Leeds, but he's been able to bed in some young players like Kalvin Phillips and still get results.

It will be a big crowd and I would imagine the atmosphere will prevent any sort of complacency from the hosts here.

Charlie predicts: Liverpool to win 3-1 and Origi to score first (Sky Bet's odds: 20/1)

Liverpool vs Leeds

November 29, 2016, 7:30pm

Live on Sky Sports 1 HD

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Hull City v Newcastle United (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

It does surprise me that Newcastle are favourites to a degree, although given the way Thommo was talking about Hull, they hardly turned the corner by salvaging a draw against West Brom.

The problem for Hull is that they can't really rest anybody, which is worrying for their Premier League survival hopes, but means they have to pretty much go __with their best team here.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez made changes against Blackburn on Saturday and paid the price
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez made changes against Blackburn on Saturday and paid the price

They seem to be having the most problems with their midfield, Tom Huddlestone dropped and Ryan Mason hauled off at half-time.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez tried to play it clever by leaving out Dwight Gayle among others at the weekend and it backfired, with a troubling loss killing their momentum.

In terms of value, Hull are appealing here as the outsiders in what I see as a tough one to call.

Charlie predicts: Hull to win 2-1 (10/1 with Sky Bet) and Robert Snodgrass to score first (13/2 with Sky Bet)

Manchester United v West Ham United (Wednesday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7.30pm)

Well, West Ham did very well on Sunday and Manchester United continue to be the most unlucky team in the Premier League! 

They have a problem at Old Trafford of playing well, but not getting wins, and now the annoyance of Jose Mourinho is clear for everybody to see.

West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho (left) is unlikely to feature against Man Utd on Wednesday
West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho (left) is unlikely to feature against Man Utd on Wednesday

West Ham might need to get Andy Carroll back into the mix as it sounds like Diafra Sakho has picked up another injury. They're running out of bodies.

I think Mourinho will make quite a few changes and I wouldn't be surprised if this went to extra time, but I'm expecting the hosts to edge it.

Charlie predicts: Manchester United to win 2-1 and Jesse Lingard to score first (Sky Bet's odds: 30/1)

Man Utd vs West Ham

November 30, 2016, 7:30pm

Live on Sky Sports 1 HD

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Arsenal v Southampton (Wednesday)

Well this is an awkward one for Arsenal. They were lucky in the league meeting to beat Southampton, who recorded a very good result on Sunday.

I do think the Saints will make changes which will make them weaker, although I'm sure Claude Puel would love a result against his good friend Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is expected to feature against Southampton
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is expected to feature against Southampton

You look at the players Arsenal can bring in and Aaron Ramsey can come in, Alex Iwobi can come in and Olivier Giroud will also be desperate to earn back his starting berth.

The difference in the quality of players coming in will be decisive for me here and I think Arsenal will be able to end November with a win.

Charlie predicts: Arsenal to win 3-2 (Sky Bet's odds: 22/1) and Giroud to score first (Sky Bet's odds: 7/2)