Charlie’s EFP Cup predictions

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his latest round of predictions as the EFL Cup reaches the final-16 stage.

The draw has thrown up a host of mouth-watering games, none less so than Liverpool versus Tottenham on Tuesday night and a Manchester derby on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm and 7.30pm respectively.

There is also a London derby between West Ham and Chelsea, plus six Sky Bet Championship sides looking to take a step closer to Wembley.

Here is who Charlie is backing in his Sky Bet tips…

Liverpool v Tottenham (Tuesday, live on Sky Sports 1HD from 7pm)

You know what, I know we’re all excited about the Manchester derby because of all that’s going on there, but this is the best footballing game for me.

There will be a few changes and Spurs will probably switch their full-backs as usual, Vincent Janssen should come back in for another chance and Kevin Wimmer could get a game, although it will take him a bit of time to get up to speed.

I’ll be interested to see what team Jurgen Klopp goes for. Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi need a game but will he jeopardise the system to incorporate them?

Spurs are well drilled and Liverpool can be frustrated, as we’ve seen in recent games, failing to break down Manchester United then falling over the line at the weekend against West Brom after we got very excited about them. 

I’m finding this a tough one to call and it could go either way, but I’m going for Liverpool on home advantage.

Charlie predicts: 2-1 and Adam Lallana to score first (30/1 with Sky Bet)

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

Both sides need a win. Jose Mourinho might be looking at this knowing he needs it to buy himself some time.

It’s turning into a really awkward moment, to an extent which Mourinho has probably never come across. He’s got a pretty average team which don’t play the way he likes; Eric Bailly injured, Wayne Rooney out of sorts because he’s tried to fit the France international in his position and Zlatan Ibrahimovic looking more and more frustrated.

As for City, Kelechi Iheanacho can come in after scoring again. They are playing well, of course they are, but they’re making so many mistakes that we have to focus on the problems.

I think United will get physical and I think we’ll see quite a few bookings. There’s no way those players can’t be angry after the weekend, …

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