England EFL League Cup (20-22 December)

[spkutano]

 

[spkutano]

Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Newcastle United:
Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Targett; Shelvey, Longstaff, Willock; Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin

Bournemouth:
Travers; Smith, Mepham, Senesi, Zemura; Tavernier, Cook, Lerma, Billing; Moore, Solanke

Newcastle United welcome Bournemouth to St James Park in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. The Magpies have eliminated Crystal Palace on penalties in the previous round. The match ended with a goalless draw after the regular 90 minutes. Newcastle were in excellent form before the World Cup break. They are in series of six victories across all competitions. Five of this six wins were obtain in the top flight division. As a result, they are on the third position on the Premier League table. Manager Edie Howe is doing an excellent job and the fans are satisfy. But Howe has big issues ahead of this match. Alexander Isak is sidelined with a calf injury, while Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes are rated as doubtful following their World Cup quarter-final exits. In addition, Paul Dummett, Emil Krafth and Joelinton also occupied the treatment room, while Fabian Schar is doubtful due to illness. According to me, Howe could save some players for a Premier League Boxing Day fixture with Leicester City.

Bournemouth demolished Everton 4:1 in the third round to set up a match with their former manager. It will be interesting to see the fans reaction about Howe who spent significant period at Vitality Stadium. However, the Cherries are now lead by Gary O'Neil and the last results are solid. After advancing to the last 16 of the EFL Cup after beating Everton on 8 November, Bournemouth hosted the Toffees only four days later and marched to another success - a 3:0 win thanks to goals scored by Jaidon Anthony, Marcus Tavernier and Kieffer Moore. One thing is clear, Bournemouth are easily scoring goals under O'Neil and that was the key reason why the club officials decided to appoint the 39-year-old coach as their new permanent manager. The Cherries found the back of the net 12 times in the last four games before the World Cup. O'Neil has the majority of his players available, including the players who participated at World Cup in Qatar - Wales duo Kieffer Moore and Chris Mepham. As You probably know, the Dragons' suffered a group-stage elimination. Goalkeeper Neto is rated as doubtful due to a hamstring injury, while Lloyd Kelly and David Brooks could be saved for the upcoming Premier League fixture with Chelsea on December 27. Mepham should start after serving a league suspension.

Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Prediction:

I expect an efficient match at St James Park. Newcastle play excellent this season, they are in series of six victories across all competitions. But Bournemouth play attacking football under O'Neil, they have scored 12 goals in the last four games before the World Cup. The players confidence is high in both squads, so I expect a high scoring game with at least three goals.

Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.68 with Pinnacle

 

[spkutano]

Manchester United vs Burnley Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester United:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Malacia; McTominay, Eriksen; Elanga, Van de Beek, Garnacho; Martial

Burnley:
Peacock-Farrell; Taylor, Harwood-Bellis, Beyer, Maatsen; Cullen, Bastien; Manuel, Brownhill, Churlinov; Barnes

Manchester United welcome Championship leaders Burnley to Old Trafford as both teams are looking to secure the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night. The Red Devils recorded a 4:2 win over Aston Villa in the previous stage of the competition. United will try to lift the trophy for the fifth time in their history this season. According to me, Ten Hag will take this competition seriously, as this is an opportunity to deliver silverware in his first season at Old Trafford. That means he will start the match with his best players. However, he must have on mind the upcoming busy festive period that begin with the match against Nottingham Forest on December 27. About the team news, Axel Tuanzebe is definitely sidelined through injury, while Diogo Dalot is rated as doubtful with the hamstring injury that he picked up while representing Portugal at the World Cup. Jadon Sancho is also a major doubt, while Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are not expected in the team due to their involvement in the World Cup final in Qatar. Captain Harry Maguire could feature as Ten Hag is lacking defensive options. Aaron Wan-Bissaka will probably start at right-back position, while Anthony Elanga, Donny van de Beek, Garnacho and Anthony Martial are also in contention.

Burnley are top of the Championship Division with 47 points from 23 matches, six points clear of second-placed Sheffield United. I think the cup competitions are not priority for the manager Vincent Kompany this season, with the team's main focus being the league, as they bid to secure a return to the Premiership for the 2023/24 campaign. Even more, the Clarets have actually never won the League Cup. But this match is not an ordinary game - a victory over Manchester United would certainly leave the players full of confidence heading into the final eight. It will be a huge success for Kompany too, maybe the biggest one in his coaching career. So far Burnley have eliminated Shrewsbury Town in August and Crawley Town in November. The guests will be without Scott Twine who picked up an injury while appearing against Middlesbrough. Connor Roberts was sent off on the same match and must serve a suspension. Kompany will make changes from the side that started in the league at the weekend, with Ashley Barnes, Charlie Taylor, Bailey Peacock-Farrell among those set to come into the starting eleven.

Manchester United vs Burnley Prediction:

Manchester United registered a 3:1 victory over Burnley when the two teams faced in the Premier League at Old Trafford last season, while the reverse fixture at Turf Moor back in February ended with an 1:1 draw. As You could see, both teams found the back of the net on both occasions. I expect another efficient fixture with goals on both sides.

Manchester United vs Burnley Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.83 with Pinnacle

 

[Jan44]

There are a loto of surprises in English cups. SOme players who played for their national team during the world cup maybe not participate or no be 100% ready.

 

[mayertom]

View attachment 4674
Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Newcastle United:
Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Targett; Shelvey, Longstaff, Willock; Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin

Bournemouth:
Travers; Smith, Mepham, Senesi, Zemura; Tavernier, Cook, Lerma, Billing; Moore, Solanke

Newcastle United welcome Bournemouth to St James Park in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. The Magpies have eliminated Crystal Palace on penalties in the previous round. The match ended with a goalless draw after the regular 90 minutes. Newcastle were in excellent form before the World Cup break. They are in series of six victories across all competitions. Five of this six wins were obtain in the top flight division. As a result, they are on the third position on the Premier League table. Manager Edie Howe is doing an excellent job and the fans are satisfy. But Howe has big issues ahead of this match. Alexander Isak is sidelined with a calf injury, while Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes are rated as doubtful following their World Cup quarter-final exits. In addition, Paul Dummett, Emil Krafth and Joelinton also occupied the treatment room, while Fabian Schar is doubtful due to illness. According to me, Howe could save some players for a Premier League Boxing Day fixture with Leicester City.

Bournemouth demolished Everton 4:1 in the third round to set up a match with their former manager. It will be interesting to see the fans reaction about Howe who spent significant period at Vitality Stadium. However, the Cherries are now lead by Gary O'Neil and the last results are solid. After advancing to the last 16 of the EFL Cup after beating Everton on 8 November, Bournemouth hosted the Toffees only four days later and marched to another success - a 3:0 win thanks to goals scored by Jaidon Anthony, Marcus Tavernier and Kieffer Moore. One thing is clear, Bournemouth are easily scoring goals under O'Neil and that was the key reason why the club officials decided to appoint the 39-year-old coach as their new permanent manager. The Cherries found the back of the net 12 times in the last four games before the World Cup. O'Neil has the majority of his players available, including the players who participated at World Cup in Qatar - Wales duo Kieffer Moore and Chris Mepham. As You probably know, the Dragons' suffered a group-stage elimination. Goalkeeper Neto is rated as doubtful due to a hamstring injury, while Lloyd Kelly and David Brooks could be saved for the upcoming Premier League fixture with Chelsea on December 27. Mepham should start after serving a league suspension.

Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Prediction:

I expect an efficient match at St James Park. Newcastle play excellent this season, they are in series of six victories across all competitions. But Bournemouth play attacking football under O'Neil, they have scored 12 goals in the last four games before the World Cup. The players confidence is high in both squads, so I expect a high scoring game with at least three goals.

Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.68 with Pinnacle

OFFICIAL INFORMATION:



Bournemouth has been hit by the virus.



Coach Gary O'Neil said 8-10 key first-team players were unable to train last week. To cover the gaps in the team, he will also call other players (probably from the youth team).

 

[spkutano]

Maybe Newcastle -1.5 AH @ 2.22 with Pinnacle is a better option regarding Bournemouth-s virus situation.

 

[mayertom]

Maybe Newcastle -1.5 AH @ 2.22 with Pinnacle is a better option regarding Bournemouth-s virus situation.

I will wait to see the Final Line-up. I'm more concerned about how Newcastle will start. They defo won't start with full Guns and armour.
But 1.5 AH is a better choice. Over 1.5 on FirstHalf is considerable.

 

[Bettingsocks]

christmas games are always a surprise in the English leagues

 

[spkutano]

Charlton Athletic vs Brighton & Hove Albion Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Charlton Athletic:
Maynard-Brewer; Clare, Lavelle, Iniss, Sessegnon; Dobson, Payne, Fraser; Kirk, Aneke, Rak-Sakyi

Brighton & Hove Albion:
Steele; Lamptey, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinian; Caicedo, Gilmour; March, Trossard, Mitoma; Welbeck

League One side Charlton Athletic host Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday night. The hosts are out of form, having lost three straight games during the past month. They are in crisis for a longer period and the club owner Thomas Sandgaard decided to sack coach Ben Garner. According to him, the poor results were not the only reason for his decision - Garner also lost the authority among his players. But finding a new good coach is a big problem for the club officials and Charlton are still under the guidance of caretaker manager Anthony Hayes. He failed to make any difference and the Addicks have suffered three defeats in the last three matches. They were close to obtain a positive result against Bristol Rovers at The Valley this weekend, leading 1:0 after 20 minutes when Ryan Inniss headed home Scott Fraser's corner. However, a poor second half and a brace from Rovers substitute John Marquis resulted with another defeat. Hayes is welcoming Terell Thomas and Miles Leaburn back from their respective ankle injuries, but three players remain sidelined - goalkeeper Joe Wollacott (finger injury), Mandela Egbo (quad) and Eoghan O'Connell (knee). Some changes are expected, with Leaburn and Chuks Aneke pushing for a starting spot in attack.

Brighton & Hove Albion have eliminated the Premier League leaders Arsenal in the previous round of the League Cup. The Seagulls made a big surprise bz winning 3:1 at the Emirats. Eddie Nketiah had given Arsenal the lead with a curling finish after Reiss Nelson's run from the halfway line. Danny Welbeck, who played for the Gunners in the 2018 final, made it 1:1 with a penalty after he had been fouled by reserve goalkeeper Karl Hein. In the second half Kaoru Mitoma put Brighton ahead after a neat passing move and Tariq Lamptey added a third with a low strike. Brighton's victory in London was big surprise, though they showed their quality against Liverpool (played 3:3 at Anfield) and Chelsea (won 4:1) previously in the Premier League. De Zerbi is doing an excellent job and the fans are satisfy. Some of them even start dreaming about Europe. But the Italian coach has some issues ahead of this match. He will be without World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, but all the other players who participated in Qatar are back and could be involved here. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, Tariq Lamptey, Leandro Trossard, Kaoru Mitoma and Ecuadorian trio Jeremy Sarmiento, Moises Caicedo and Pervis Estupinan are all in contention. Jakub Moder is sidelined due to a knee injury. He is not expected back until February.

Charlton Athletic vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction:

Brighton are clear favorites in this match. Not only the quality is on their side, but Charlton are in difficult situation. The Addicks are without permanent manager and they are in poor form. The interim coach Hazes did not improve the things, so I expect another defeat. Brighton should win high.

Charlton Athletic vs Brighton & Hove Albion Pick: Brighton & Hove Albion -1.5 AH @ 1.95 with Pinnacle

 

[mayertom]

View attachment 4674
Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Newcastle United:
Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Targett; Shelvey, Longstaff, Willock; Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin

Bournemouth:
Travers; Smith, Mepham, Senesi, Zemura; Tavernier, Cook, Lerma, Billing; Moore, Solanke

Newcastle United welcome Bournemouth to St James Park in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. The Magpies have eliminated Crystal Palace on penalties in the previous round. The match ended with a goalless draw after the regular 90 minutes. Newcastle were in excellent form before the World Cup break. They are in series of six victories across all competitions. Five of this six wins were obtain in the top flight division. As a result, they are on the third position on the Premier League table. Manager Edie Howe is doing an excellent job and the fans are satisfy. But Howe has big issues ahead of this match. Alexander Isak is sidelined with a calf injury, while Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes are rated as doubtful following their World Cup quarter-final exits. In addition, Paul Dummett, Emil Krafth and Joelinton also occupied the treatment room, while Fabian Schar is doubtful due to illness. According to me, Howe could save some players for a Premier League Boxing Day fixture with Leicester City.

Bournemouth demolished Everton 4:1 in the third round to set up a match with their former manager. It will be interesting to see the fans reaction about Howe who spent significant period at Vitality Stadium. However, the Cherries are now lead by Gary O'Neil and the last results are solid. After advancing to the last 16 of the EFL Cup after beating Everton on 8 November, Bournemouth hosted the Toffees only four days later and marched to another success - a 3:0 win thanks to goals scored by Jaidon Anthony, Marcus Tavernier and Kieffer Moore. One thing is clear, Bournemouth are easily scoring goals under O'Neil and that was the key reason why the club officials decided to appoint the 39-year-old coach as their new permanent manager. The Cherries found the back of the net 12 times in the last four games before the World Cup. O'Neil has the majority of his players available, including the players who participated at World Cup in Qatar - Wales duo Kieffer Moore and Chris Mepham. As You probably know, the Dragons' suffered a group-stage elimination. Goalkeeper Neto is rated as doubtful due to a hamstring injury, while Lloyd Kelly and David Brooks could be saved for the upcoming Premier League fixture with Chelsea on December 27. Mepham should start after serving a league suspension.

Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Prediction:

I expect an efficient match at St James Park. Newcastle play excellent this season, they are in series of six victories across all competitions. But Bournemouth play attacking football under O'Neil, they have scored 12 goals in the last four games before the World Cup. The players confidence is high in both squads, so I expect a high scoring game with at least three goals.

Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.68 with Pinnacle

Newcastle was a disgrace, that miss from Almiron, an absolute sitter. Lack of clear goal chances.

 

[spkutano]

Manchester City vs Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester City:
Ortega; Lewis, Katongo, Charles, S. Gomez; Palmer, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Haaland, Borges

Liverpool:
Kelleher; Ramsay, J. Gomez, Phillips, Tsimikas; Elliott, Bajcetic, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Firmino, Carvalho

The reigning champions Manchester City welcome the cup holder Liverpool to Etihad as both teams are trying to secure the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup on Thursday night. The Citizens are favorites for all three domestic trophies, though they showed some weaknesses in the first part of the season. Pep Guardiola's men were shocked by Brentford, just few days after they eliminated Chelsea in the League Cup. Maybe the World Cup break came in the right moment for them. City look much better in the friendly against Girona during the weekend when won 2:0 thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. It is good when two key players made the difference, however, Guardiola has lot of unavailable players. Just one City player reached the final and he is still celebrating the title - striker Julian Alvarez. Four players could return very soon - Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake. Guardiola has a difficult decision about the other nine players that played in Qatar - I believe Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, John Stones, Kalvin Phillips, Ederson, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo will not be rested here to stay fresh for the upcoming league trip to Leeds United on December 28.

Liverpool had an easier opponents in the third round of the League Cup, though they need penalty roulette to eliminate Derby. Overall, this is a poor season for the Reds. They have suffered three painful defeats in October, from Arsenal, Nottingham and Leeds. The atmosphere in the squad is not at desired level, while the players confidence is questionable. Manager Jurgen Klopp is feeling big pressure, the biggest since he took the team. I think he need a winning series to please the fans. That is why this match is very important. But Klopp also has big issues ahead of this clash. Diogo Jota, Arthur and Luis Diaz remain sidelined through injuries. Two key central defenders - Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will not play following their late comeback from Qatar, which is a big handicap. The Brazilians (Alisson Becker and Fabinho), as well as Englishmen (Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson) are not expected to start, but could be involved in some capacity.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Prediction:

Manchester City should win this match. They are hosts and this fact should not be underestimated. But something else is the key reason for my pick - the absence of some players. While Guardiola will have Haaland and De Bruyne available, Klopp will be without key defenders Konate and Van Dijk. I don't see who will stop Haaland. That's not all, the absence of Diaz and Jota is also a big handicap.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Pick: Manchester City to win @ 1.97 with Pinnacle

 

[Jan44]

View attachment 4679
Manchester City vs Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester City:
Ortega; Lewis, Katongo, Charles, S. Gomez; Palmer, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Haaland, Borges

Liverpool:
Kelleher; Ramsay, J. Gomez, Phillips, Tsimikas; Elliott, Bajcetic, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Firmino, Carvalho

The reigning champions Manchester City welcome the cup holder Liverpool to Etihad as both teams are trying to secure the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup on Thursday night. The Citizens are favorites for all three domestic trophies, though they showed some weaknesses in the first part of the season. Pep Guardiola's men were shocked by Brentford, just few days after they eliminated Chelsea in the League Cup. Maybe the World Cup break came in the right moment for them. City look much better in the friendly against Girona during the weekend when won 2:0 thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. It is good when two key players made the difference, however, Guardiola has lot of unavailable players. Just one City player reached the final and he is still celebrating the title - striker Julian Alvarez. Four players could return very soon - Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake. Guardiola has a difficult decision about the other nine players that played in Qatar - I believe Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, John Stones, Kalvin Phillips, Ederson, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo will not be rested here to stay fresh for the upcoming league trip to Leeds United on December 28.

Liverpool had an easier opponents in the third round of the League Cup, though they need penalty roulette to eliminate Derby. Overall, this is a poor season for the Reds. They have suffered three painful defeats in October, from Arsenal, Nottingham and Leeds. The atmosphere in the squad is not at desired level, while the players confidence is questionable. Manager Jurgen Klopp is feeling big pressure, the biggest since he took the team. I think he need a winning series to please the fans. That is why this match is very important. But Klopp also has big issues ahead of this clash. Diogo Jota, Arthur and Luis Diaz remain sidelined through injuries. Two key central defenders - Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will not play following their late comeback from Qatar, which is a big handicap. The Brazilians (Alisson Becker and Fabinho), as well as Englishmen (Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson) are not expected to start, but could be involved in some capacity.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Prediction:

Manchester City should win this match. They are hosts and this fact should not be underestimated. But something else is the key reason for my pick - the absence of some players. While Guardiola will have Haaland and De Bruyne available, Klopp will be without key defenders Konate and Van Dijk. I don't see who will stop Haaland. That's not all, the absence of Diaz and Jota is also a big handicap.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Pick: Manchester City to win @ 1.97 with Pinnacle

Great match. But it was the defference of the No 9 at the two teams. Haaland is much better than Nunez.

 

[spkutano]

Agree, Haaland is class above Nunez