England EFL Cup Quarterfinals

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Newcastle United vs Leicester City Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Newcastle United:
Pope; Manquillo, Lascelles, Botman, Lewis; Almiron, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Ritchie, Murphy, Wood

Leicester City:
Ward; Castagne, Amartey, Soyuncu, Thomas; Ndidi, Tielemans, Albrighton, Perez; Iheanacho, Daka

Newcastle United host Leicester City at St James' Park, as both teams are looking for a spot in the semi-finals of EFL Cup. The Magpies are big favorites, particularly knowing they won 3:0 in the last mutual clash played in the Premier League on Boxing Day. Eddie Howe's men are enjoying a remarkable first half of the season. Nobody was expecting to see them so close to the top of the table, despite the fact that new Saudi owners invested a large amount of money during the summer. Newcastle are currently third on the table, with a realistic chances for Top-4 finish. They are also successful in the League Cup. So far the Magpies have eliminated Tranmere, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, and now have an excellent chance of reaching a first EFL Cup semi-final since 1976. However, the current form isn't at desired level. The Magpies failed to score a single goal on the last two league fixtures against Leeds and Arsenal. To be worse, they suffered a shocking elimination from the FA Cup on Saturday, losing 2:1 at Sheffield Wednesday. Howe has additional issues as some players are injured. Jonjo Shelvey is expected to be out until February with a calf injury, while Allan Saint-Maximin is expected to miss out with illness.

Leicester City have eliminated Stockport, Newport and MK Dons in the previous stages of the competition. As You could see, they were lucky to avoid a Premier League opposition in the first three rounds, but this time is different as they have to visit Newcastle. The Foxes are out of form at the moment. They are in series of three defeats in the Premier League, losing to Newcastle , Liverpool and Fulham. The atmosphere in the squad is poor, while the players confidence is low. On Saturday they narrowly beat League Two side Gillingham and progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup, though the victory should not be overrated. I am sure manager Brendan Rodgers is satisfied with the victory, but he is also fully aware Gillingham are different level. The Irishman also has some injury issues. Dennis Praet is making good progress towards a return from an abdominal injury, but this match may come too soon for him. Nevertheless, the biggest handicap is the absence of key midfielder James Maddison. Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans will try to replace him, but his creativity will definitely be missing on the pitch.

Newcastle United vs Leicester City Prediction:

Newcastle have suffered a shocking defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup. I think Howe and his players learnt the lesson .They will be fully focused here and I expect to secure the semi-finals. Leicester are not strong when missing Maddison. The Foxes are in series of three defeats in the Premier League and the players confidence is low. I expect Newcastle to win the match.

Newcastle United vs Leicester City Pick: Newcastle United to win @ 1.63 with Pinnacle

 

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Southampton vs. Manchester City Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Southampton:
Bazunu; Lyanco, Caleta-Car, Salisu; Walker-Peters, Ward-Prowse, Lavia, Perraud; Edozie, A. Armstrong; Adams

Manchester City:
Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Ake; De Bruyne, Phillips, Gundogan; Mahrez, Alvarez, Grealish

Southampton host Manchester City at St Mary's for their quarter-final match in the EFL Cup. The Citizens are clear favorites in this clash, though the hosts will try to make a surprise. The Saints have beaten three lower-league teams to reach this stage - Lincoln City with 2:1, Cambridge United 3:0 and Sheffield Wednesday on penalties following an 1:1 draw. Nevertheless, the fans are frustrated with the league results. Southampton are at the bottom of the table with only 12 points. New manager Nathan Jones is unable to change something on better - the Saints have lost all four league matches under his guidance. To be worse, they have conceded 10 goals in the process. It is clear Jones must improve the defense. In addition, he has some injury issues ahead of this match. He is still without centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap due to a knee injury. Stuart Armstrong missed the win over Crystal Palace and he will not return in time for Wednesday's match. Four additional players are rated as doubtful - Valentino Livramento, Juan Larios, Theo Walcott and Alex McCarthy. Romeo Lavia was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace and could start here. The former Manchester City academy graduates Gavin Bazunu and Sam Edozie will like to impress Guardiola. Of course, if they have a chance.

Manchester City are in excellent form at the moment. The reigning champions have played five times after the World Cup break and registered four victories and one draw. They beat Liverpool in the EFL Cup, Leeds United in the Premier League, but dropped two points in a 1:1 draw with Everton. Pep GGuardiola's men have also beat Chelsea twice in just three days - first 1:0 at Stamford Bridge in the league, and then 4:0 in the FA Cup during the weekend. The atmosphere in the club is very good, while the players confidence is high. The high victory against Chelsea showed how strong they are. And don't forget their best scorer Erling Haaland watched on as a substitute. Four goals against the team from Big-6 must be respected. Riyad Mahrez was double scorer, while World Cup hero Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden were also on the scoresheet. City will face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium later this month. Guardiola has most of his players available for this match, only Ruben Dias is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Some of the regulars could be saved for the upcoming Manchester derby. Back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could start between the sticks ahead of Ederson. Jack Grealish, who missed the Sunday's match against Chelsea due to illness, is expected to start at the expense of Phil Foden. I am sure Pep most difficult decision is about Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne - should the duo be rested for Saturday's Manchester derby?

Southampton vs. Manchester City Prediction:

I expect both teams to score at St Mary's. Manchester City are in terrific form, they scored four goals against Chelsea. And don't forget Haaland and De Bruyne were between the reserves. So, the question is about Southampton, are they able to score? Well, I think they are. The Saints are in series of poor results, but they managed to score on seven of the last eight matches across all competitions. They also scored on the last two mutual games with City at St Mary's, in March 2022 (lost 1:4 in FA Cup) and in January 2022 (played 1:1 in the Premier League).

Southampton vs. Manchester City Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.96 with Pinnacle

 

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Southampton vs Manchester City

Southampton have been struggling in the Premier League, so they have to put this woe aside. Manchester City will head into this match with a more complete squad, thus I will back the visiting team here.

Pick: Manchester City to win

Riyad Mahrez to score

 

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Newcastle United vs Leicester City Pick: Newcastle United to win @ 1.63 with Pinnacle

2-0

 

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Southampton vs. Manchester City Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.96 with Pinnacle

2-0