The midweek football action is dominated by the League Cup fourth round, with 16 teams eyeing up a place in the quarter-finals.
Liverpool are fresh off the back of a very positive weekend in the Premier League, with the Reds’ 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion made even sweeter by many of their rivals dropping points.
Jurgen Klopp is desperate to win a first piece of silverware at the club—Liverpool haven’t won a trophy since 2012—and he has made it clear that he sees the League Cup as an important competition this season.
The 49-year-old’s side welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield on Tuesday evening, with the north Londoners still unbeaten in 2016/17.
It promises to be a fascinating encounter between arguably the two most in-form teams in the country, but there are seven other games to look forward to as well.
Pressure on United Against City
Wednesday evening sees the second Manchester derby of the season, as Man United host Man City in a huge game for an under-fire Jose Mourinho.
United’s 4-0 humiliation at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon was Mourinho’s lowest moment yet, and being knocked out by Pep Guardiola’s side would be another bitter pill to swallow.
City have already won at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season, but they have experienced a dip of their own in recent weeks, failing to win any of their last five games.
Some key players may well be rested for either side, but this is still an occasion that should make for riveting viewing.
Feisty London Derby
West Ham United have made a disappointing start to life at the London Stadium, but the visit of Chelsea represents the most high-profile game there to date.
The Hammers are badly in need of an injection of confidence, and victory over one of their most bitter rivals would be the perfect place to start.
Chelsea have regrouped impressively of late, however, and their 4-0 win over United highlighted exactly what they are capable of.
With no European commitments this season, Antonio Conte can take the League Cup more seriously, and they will go into the showdown in east London as firm favourites to progress to the quarters.
Rafa Looks to Continue Newcastle Revolution
Rafa Benitez is already working his magic at Newcastle United, with the former Liverpool manager guiding them to the top of the Championship as things stand.
The Magpies have not enjoyed much tournament success in recent years, but in Benitez, they have someone who can be a master in cup competitions.
While there are more superior clubs ahead of them still in the League Cup, Newcastle will feel they should have too much for Preston North End on Tuesday. They’ve sold 44,000 tickets for the game, such is the feel good factor on Tyneside under Rafa.
The Championship comes first, but Benitez will know that a good cup run will improve the winning mentality within the squad.
Arsenal Out To Avoid A Shock
Arsenal haven’t won the League Cup since beating Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley back in 1993, and they have only lifted the trophy twice in their history.
The Gunners are primed to reach the quarter-finals this week, though, with Championship outfit Reading visiting the Emirates.
Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Middlesbrough will have frustrated Arsene Wenger, but he will back his players to respond against weaker opposition.
Reading are going well in their own right in the Championship, currently sitting just outside the play-off places, and they will be desperate to spring a surprise.
More Misery For Moyes?
Sunderland have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season—two points from a possible 27—and David Moyes is now under severe pressure.
The Scot could probably have done without the distraction of the League Cup, and they visit a Southampton side playing some eye-catching football.
Claude Puel has replaced Ronald Koeman in impressive fashion, and Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Man City outlined the quality they have in their ranks.
Southampton should see the League Cup as a real chance of silverware, and if Sunderland get the better of them on Wednesday, it would be considered a real shock.
All-Championship Clash at Elland Road
There are several standout ties in the round of 16, but this clash between Leeds United and Norwich City is not one of them.
Both are searching for promotion to the Premier League this season—Norwich are fourth, Leeds are 10th—but a place in the quarters would also be seen as a real achievement for the winner of the tie.
Leeds are a big club whose supporters deserve something to shout about, and Elland Road is likely to be in excellent voice on Wednesday night.
On paper, it’s not a classic for the neutral, but games of this ilk can sometimes to be a pleasant surprise.
Hull Search For Much-Needed Confidence Boost
After a surprisingly positive start to the season, in which they beat champions Leicester City on the opening day, Hull City‘s campaign is deteriorating at an alarming rate.
Mike Phelan has suffered a tough start to life as the Tigers’ permanent manager, and they now look strong candidates to be relegated.
Their trip to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City won’t be at the top of Hull’s list of priorities, but they need to put a stop to their four-game losing streak.
The Robins are in the play-off positions in the Championship, however, so this has the feel of a potential banana skin about it.
Fixtures & TV Info
Arsenal vs. Reading – Emirates Stadium, Tuesday 7:45pm
Winner: Arsenal
Bristol City vs. Hull City – Ashton Gate, Tuesday 7:45pm
Winner: Bristol City
Leeds United vs. Norwich City – Elland Road, Tuesday 7:45pm
Winner: Leeds
Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur – Anfield, Tuesday 7:45pm, Sky Sports 1
Winner: Liverpool
Newcastle United vs. Preston North End – St. James’ Park, Tuesday 7:45pm
Winner: Newcastle
Southampton vs. Sunderland – St. Mary’s Stadium – Wednesday 7:45pm
Winner: Southampton
West Ham United vs. Chelsea – London Stadium, Wednesday 7:45pm
Winner: Chelsea
Man United vs. Man City – Old Trafford, Wednesday 8pm, Sky Sports 1
Winner: Man City
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