We preview Wednesday's round of 16 Carabao Cup games...
Recommended bets
1pt Gabriel Martinelli to score anytime at 3/1
1pt Jesse Lingard to have 2+ shots on target at 13/2
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Liverpool v Arsenal
- 1930 GMT on Sky Sports Football
Despite only losing twice in their last 13 matches, Arsenal seem to be in a bit of a crisis.
The Granit Xhaka incident has been a big talking point this week, but fans are also growing increasingly inpatient with boss Unai Emery.
This is a great chance for the Gunners squad to come out fighting, to show togetherness and book their place in the last eight.
They did perform well in their league defeat at Anfield in August and will be hoping a number of changes, and the focus being firmly on the Premier League title, will help them come out on top.
The overall expectation is that, given the week Arsenal have had, that Liverpool will come out on top one way or another.
But they can at least get on the score sheet, even without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is being rested. Mesut Ozil has travelled and could make his first appearance since their win in the previous round against Nottingham Forest a month ago, but there is interest in backing attacker Gabriel Martinelli to get on the score sheet.
The 18-year-old Brazilian, a summer arrival from Sao Paulo outfit Ituano, has settled in better and far quicker than many expected, with a return of five goals and assist in six appearances for the Gunners. He scored two against Forest and Emery could keep the faith with him here.
In two Europa League appearances he has had an impressive 10 shots and against Forest alone he had six attempts. At a best price of just over 3/1 to score anytime, Martinelli can at least raise Arsenal fans' spirits on Wednesday evening.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal (Sky Bet odds: 8/1)
Chelsea v Manchester United
- 2005 GMT on Sky Sports Main Event
These cup games between two big teams can often be difficult to call because you do not know where their priorities lie and how strong their sides will be.
It could be used for rotation, they could go for it - and there is no reason why they should not see this as a great chance, and arguably only one of two chances this season, to win silverware.
A number of injuries for Man United restricts the amount of changes they can make, but both sides should still rotate to give fringe players opportunities, although Frank Lampard will be keen to maintain the momentum after Chelsea sealed their seventh successive win on Saturday.
The Blues, finalists in this competition last season, are well fancied in the betting to win this one with the odds stacked in their favour.
It could, though, be a good opportunity for Jesse Lingard to get more minutes under his belt for the visitors after returning from injury fairly recently.
He got in 90 minutes in the Europa League win over Partizan last week, made a late cameo from the bench in the win over Norwich and could feature from the offset here.
The England midfielder likes to play a supporting role to United's forwards, or even alongside them, and the 13/2 price provides appeal in a game expected to see plenty of goal-mouth action.
United could have to dig in at Stamford Bridge and Lingard, who has not scored for club or country since late January, can at least try help them get on the score sheet.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Man United (Sky Bet odds: 14/1)
Aston Villa v Wolves
- 1945 GMT at Villa Park
A regular theme in this competition, but with Aston Villa keen to focus on retaining their Premier League status, and Wolves balancing league and European football, both sides could field much-changed teams from the weekend.
We saw that in the previous round when Wolves were taken to penalties by Sky Bet Championship side Reading and there is a real possibility the same could happen here.
The disruption to both sides could see an unsettled game go all the way and both sides are at around 5/1 each to win on spot-kicks.
Villa could be slightly stronger in terms of senior personnel and, with the competition low on Wolves' priorities, Dean Smith's side can give the home crowd something to cheer about with a slim win.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Wolves (Sky Bet odds: 5/1)
Best bet: Villa to win on penalties at 5/1
Odds correct as of 1900 GMT on 29/01/19
Follow Sporting Life on social media - find us on Facebook here or tweet@SportingLifeFC
Related football links
Responsible gambling
We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.Sky Bet's responsible gambling tools are detailed here and if you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.
