EFL Cup Third Round Tips
While Champions League ties will be the subject of many people's focus this week, there are plenty of EFL Cup third round games on Tuesday and Wednesday that could also produce some memorable drama.
The pick of the ties comes from Old Trafford, where Manchester United - who start their Europa League campaign next week - host League One Barnsley, who lost 3-2 to United’s Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy in August.
Last season's FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry will be looking to claim another Premier League scalp as they host a Tottenham side heading into the tie after their 1-0 defeat in the North London derby, while QPR are another Championship club with a home tie against top-tier opposition as they face Crystal Palace.
Tip 1: Over 2.5 Manchester United goals v Barnsley @ 21/20
Barnsley have already conceded three times to Manchester United’s U21 team this season and a repeat looks likely when they face the senior side at the Theatre of Dreams - albeit a team that is not expected to be full strength.
The Tykes lost 3-0 to Stevenage in League One last time out, while the Red Devils looked strong in their 3-0 Premier League win at Southampton. Fringe players such as Antony and Jonny Evans may get their chance to shine on Tuesday and, after scoring three against top-flight opposition, they should have little problems getting past a side who are seventh in the third tier.
Tip 2: Everton to win v Southampton @ 49/50
Everton have lost their last two matches 3-2 - losing two goal leads in both - but the Toffees could finally claim their first win of the campaign when they face the only other side yet to register a point in the Premier League.
Sean Dyche’s men may be suspect defensively but they have shown their attacking qualities in recent weeks, while the Saints have netted just one goal against top-division opposition this season.
Tip 3: Both Teams to Score in QPR v Crystal Palace @ 3/4
The London derby between QPR and Crystal Palace could be close and the both teams to score market may provide the best bet in this encounter.
The Championship side have not lost since the opening day of the season and each of their seven matches has seen goals at both ends, while the same is true for three of Palace’s five league and cup fixtures.
Tip 4: Brentford to win to nil v Leyton Orient @ 1/3
The Bees caused Manchester City a host of problems in their 2-1 league defeat at the Etihad on Saturday and they should prove too strong for League One Leyton Orient - who have lost five of their eight matches in all competitions this season.
Brentford’s only defeats this season were against the reigning champions and Liverpool while Orient have netted just twice in their four away matches this season and could struggle for chances.
Tip 5: Coventry to win v Tottenham @ 11/2
Coventry were the talk of the FA Cup last season, when they were a marginal offside call and a penalty shootout away from the final, and they may feel confident that they can stun a Tottenham side reeling from a demoralising derby defeat.
The Sky Blues have lost just one of their last six in all competitions while Spurs are yet to win away from home and, should they make wholesale changes to their starting line-up, they could come undone.