The magic of the Cup continues Wednesday night with five fixtures on the schedule, as clubs from across the divisions battle for a place in the quarter-finals. While Chelsea, Wolves, Arsenal, and Brighton are also in action, we focus on three standout ties. Defending League Cup champions Newcastle aim to continue their title defence at home to Spurs, Manchester City travel to Swansea in a potential banana skin, and Liverpool host Crystal Palace in a fascinating all-Premier League clash. Here are my thoughts and suggested bets for each game.
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LIVERPOOL v CRYSTAL PALACE – Click here to bet
Liverpool’s difficult start to the campaign continues as Arne Slot’s men prepare for another testing midweek fixture. The Reds enter this Carabao Cup fourth-round clash on the back of four straight league defeats, the latest a 3-2 loss at Brentford, leaving them seventh in the Premier League on 15 points. With a congested schedule that includes Aston Villa at the weekend and a crucial Champions League meeting with Real Madrid next Tuesday, rotation seems inevitable. Slot’s men began their cup campaign with a 2-1 home win over Southampton in round three, but priorities may lie elsewhere given their current struggles.
Crystal Palace make the trip to Anfield sensing an opportunity. Oliver Glasner’s side are without a win in four matches, having lost 1-0 away to Arsenal over the weekend, but their performances have been competitive and they’ll feel confident facing a Liverpool side low on momentum. The Eagles, 10th in the table with 13 points, battled through a tricky third-round tie against Millwall, advancing on penalties after a 1-1 draw. With a more forgiving schedule ahead, Brentford at home this weekend and AZ Alkmaar next Thursday, Glasner is expected to field a strong side as Palace look to maintain their recent good record against the Reds.
Head-to-Head
These sides have already met once this season in league play, where Palace secured a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park. The Eagles are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Liverpool, including their Charity Shield success earlier this year.
Betting
Liverpool 61/100
Draw 13/4
Crystal Palace 15/4
Verdict
Liverpool’s packed schedule and dip in form make this a potential banana skin. Palace have shown they can frustrate the Reds and could capitalise if Slot opts for heavy rotation. With the hosts struggling for rhythm and defensive stability, the visitors may sense a repeat of their league victory earlier this season.
Suggested Bet: Crystal Palace Double Chance (Win or Draw) at 5/4
SWANSEA CITY v MANCHESTER CITY – Click here to bet
The Swansea.com Stadium sets the stage for a classic David-versus-Goliath encounter as Championship side Swansea welcome Premier League royalty Manchester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round. The Swans have shown flashes of quality this season but remain inconsistent, sitting 13th in the Championship with 16 points after Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Norwich City, their first win in four matches. While league form has wavered, their Cup run has been smooth, with wins over Crawley Town, Plymouth, and Nottingham Forest taking them to this stage.
Manchester City, meanwhile, make the trip to South Wales looking to respond after a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa ended their nine-game unbeaten run. Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit fifth in the Premier League with 16 points, six adrift of leaders Arsenal, and will see this tie as an opportunity to regain rhythm ahead of a busy run that includes Bournemouth at the weekend and Borussia Dortmund in Europe next Wednesday. Having comfortably dispatched Huddersfield 2-0 in round three, Guardiola is again expected to rotate, with several fringe players likely to feature.
Head-to-Head
These two sides last met in the FA Cup back in 2021, when Manchester City claimed a 3-1 victory away from home.
Betting
Swansea 10/1
Draw 23/4
Manchester City 11/50
Verdict
Swansea’s confidence may have been boosted by their weekend win, but City’s depth is unmatched, even with rotation expected. Guardiola’s men will want to put the Villa setback behind them and should have too much quality for the Championship side. Expect a clinical display from the visitors.
Suggested Bet: Manchester City to Win & Over 2.5 Goals at 13/20
NEWCASTLE UNITED v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – Click here to bet
St James’ Park hosts arguably the tie of the round as defending League Cup Champions Newcastle United face an in-form Tottenham Hotspur in a mouth-watering clash between two sides on the up. Eddie Howe’s men come into this one in good spirits, having won four of their last five in all competitions, including a 2-1 triumph over Fulham at the weekend. That run has lifted the Magpies to 12th in the table with 12 points, and they’ll be eager to maintain momentum in front of their home support. Newcastle reached this stage after a comfortable 4-1 win over Bradford City in round three.
Tottenham, meanwhile, continue to thrive under Thomas Frank’s leadership. The Lilywhites have been one of the Premier League’s standout performers, sitting third with 17 points after a commanding 3-0 victory away to Everton. Spurs have lost just once in their last ten outings across all competitions, suggesting Frank’s methods are taking hold quickly. Having brushed aside Doncaster 3-0 in round three, Spurs will now aim to extend that form, though with a London derby against Chelsea looming on Saturday, some rotation is expected.
Head-to-Head
Newcastle claimed a league double over Spurs last season, winning both encounters 2-1.
Betting
Newcastle United 39/50
Draw 11/4
Tottenham Hotspur 13/4
Verdict
This promises to be one of the round’s standout encounters, and while there’s no doubt Tottenham have made significant progress under Thomas Frank this season, my gut feeling heading into Wednesday’s clash is that the black and white of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle will make home advantage count. The Magpies should have enough quality and momentum at St James’ Park to take another step toward defending their League Cup crown in what promises to be an entertaining, goal-filled affair.
Suggested Bet: Newcastle to Win & Both Teams to Score at 53/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
