In this preview, we take a look at three exciting EFL fixtures set for Wednesday, offering insights and betting options to consider as you gear up for the matches.

But before doing so, let’s take a look at the outright markets. Manchester City currently leads the pack at 26/10, followed by Arsenal at 5/1, while Liverpool is the next best option at 15/2. Chelsea enters the equation at 8/1, with Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Newcastle United all priced at 10/1. The rest of the field is priced at 12/1 or higher.

Click here for EFL League Cup Outright Betting

MANCHESTER UNITED v LEICESTER CITY – Click here to bet

Manchester United enter the EFL Cup round of 16 in a rough patch, having secured only one win in their last eight outings. Their recent 2-1 defeat to West Ham was particularly bitter, as a controversial penalty in the 92nd minute denied them any chance to respond and ultimately led to Erik Ten Hag's dismissal. This loss has left United languishing in 14th place after nine league matches. Despite their struggles, they showed strength in their previous EFL Cup fixture, dominating Barnsley 7-0. Wednesday's clash represents a valuable chance to regroup, with this competition potentially being their best shot at silverware this season.

After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Friday, Leicester City travel to Manchester on Wednesday aiming to take advantage of United's ongoing struggles this season. Currently positioned just below the Red Devils in the Premier League, Leicester has faced a challenging return to top-flight football, with many predicting they could be relegated back to the Championship. Despite limited resources, the Foxes have enjoyed a relatively positive October, winning two of their last three games. In the previous round of the EFL Cup, they narrowly advanced over Walsall, requiring penalties after a goalless 90 minutes to secure their spot in the round of 16.

Head-to-Head

These sides last met in the English Premier League in 2023 with Manchester United winning 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Betting

Manchester United 37/100

Draw 9/2

Leicester City 7/1

Verdict

Thrown into the deep end as interim coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy will have little to no time to make all that many adjustments. While I still make United firm favourites going into this clash, I do expect the Foxes to make a game of it in what should be a testing period for the Red Devils.

Suggested Bet: Both Teams to score, yes at 17/20

NEWCASTLE UNITED v CHELSEA – Click here to bet

Newcastle United will host Chelsea at St James' Park on Wednesday night for an eagerly awaited EFL Cup Round of 16 clash, just days after their Premier League encounter. In a closely contested match at Stamford Bridge over the weekend, Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory over the Magpies, potentially giving them a psychological boost heading into this cup tie. Despite that setback, which left Newcastle in 12th place in the league, Eddie Howe's side will aim to reassert themselves on home turf, where they have been particularly strong, losing just once in all competitions this season. Having won 1-0 in the previous round of the EFL Cup against Wimbledon, and with a quarter-final spot on the line, the Black and Whites will be eager to take swift revenge against the Blues on home soil.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have begun to find their rhythm under Enzo Maresca this season, sitting 5th in the standings in the EPL. Their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Newcastle this past weekend underscored their growing attacking cohesion, with Cole Palmer, in particular, standing out as a key player this season. In their recent EFL Cup fixture, Chelsea easily dispatched Barrow after a dominant 5-0 win, setting up an exciting clash away against the Magpies on Wednesday. Having suffered just one loss in their last ten outings across all competitions, the Blues head into this cup tie in solid form, though they’ll be well aware that the mighty Black and Whites will be eager to settle the score after this weekend’s result between these two.

Head-to-Head

These sides last met in the English Premier League this past weekend, with Chelsea securing a 2-1 win on the day. However, it must be noted that Newcastle are unbeaten in their last two matches at St James’ Park against Chelsea, having secured a 4-1 victory over the Blues last season.

Betting

Newcastle United 16/10

Draw 5/2

Chelsea 17/10

Verdict

I think we will see a repetition of goals this Wednesday between these two quality sides. Despite Chelsea holding an edge going into this clash after what transpired over the weekend, Newcastle are a different beast at home.

Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score, Over 2.5 and yes at 5/6

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v MANCHESTER CITY – Click here to bet

Spurs welcome Manchester City to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday for a highly anticipated EFL Carabao Cup clash. With both teams looking to secure a quarter-final berth, the hosts will be hoping that home ground advantage gives them the edge, despite losing their last two matches against the Citizens in London. Tottenham Hotspur enter this cup tie sitting 8th in the Premier League table, following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace over the weekend, marking their second defeat in their last five appearances across all competitions, having won the other three. Spurs had a solid showing in the previous round of the EFL Cup, defeating Coventry 2-1 on the road. Head coach Ange Postecoglou will be keen for his side to bounce back after last weekend’s result, hoping to secure a positive outcome against the current reigning league champions.

Manchester City, currently perched at the top of the Premier League table, will be buoyed by their recent form. They secured a 1-0 victory over Southampton this past weekend at the Etihad Stadium, extending their club record to 32 unbeaten in the league and reinforcing their status as title contenders. This season, City has looked impressive throughout, yet to taste defeat in all competitions and showcasing a potent attacking line-up led by the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Savinho. In the EFL Cup, City managed to advance past Watford in the previous round with a 2-1 victory, exemplifying their depth and quality across the squad, especially given the wholesale changes made to their usual side. With regulars expected to return to the fold this time around due to the quality of their opposition, Pep Guardiola’s boys will look to dominate Spurs in the hopes of making it three wins from three at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Wednesday.

Head-to-Head

These two sides last met in the Premier League last season, where Manchester City triumphed 2-0 in this fixture in London.

Betting

Tottenham Hotspur 7/4

Draw 27/10

Manchester City 15/10

Verdict

Spurs looked surprisingly flat against Palace over the weekend, perhaps due to fatigue from the quick turnaround between different competitions. Cup ties can be tricky to call, especially considering the possibility of wholesale changes. That said, if City were to take that unlikely route, they have so much depth within their squad that they should be able to maintain their unbeaten record, along with their impressive run of form against Spurs on the road.

Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Manchester City at 15/10

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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change