Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs to march on

The EFL Cup has reached the quarter-final stage, with strong representation from the top of the Premier League and a wildcard presence in the form of Sunderland.

Indeed, it promises to be a thrilling sequence of games as clubs seek to give their supporters the early Christmas present of a major semi-final to look forward to in 2022.

Arsenal to blast through

Kicking off the action on Tuesday are Arsenal and Sunderland.

It is hard to look past the Premier League side in this encounter. The Gunners are bang in form, having won their last three, and without European football this season, the EFL Cup represents a rare opportunity for their fringe players to impress.

After easy wins over West Brom, AFC Wimbledon and Leeds, they should have far too much for a team that has struggled away from home this season.

Sunderland have had a habit of defying expectations in the EFL Cup this season. They have won four successive road games in this competition but have not faced a side of Arsenal’s class and should be comfortably beaten.

Uncertainty for Blues and Bees

Chelsea are the last team not hailing from Manchester to lift the EFL Cup, having done so in 2015, and make the short trip to Brentford on Wednesday for their quarter-final.

Out of form and troubled by Covid, it would be little surprise to see Thomas Tuchel make sweeping changes to his side for this match.

Brentford are similarly suffering from the virus, which could make team selection a lottery for both sides.

However, the greater depth of Chelsea, who are favourites for the competition, with a 25% chance of lifting the trophy, should be enough to secure the win.

Nevertheless, waiting until the teamsheets are available might be the smartest move before placing any money on this fixture.

Liverpool depth to tell

Liverpool’s excellent run of form was ended by Tottenham at the weekend, with Jurgen Klopp’s men having to settle for a frustrating 2-2 draw.

Prior to that encounter, the Reds had won their last eight. Included in that run was a victory over AC Milan in which Klopp rotated his side to deploy what was effectively a second-string XI and yet they still won comfortably.

Liverpool have the depth to secure EFL Cup progress

With back-up strikers Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi both fighting for their lives at the club, there should be no lack of motivation from those who take the field.

Leicester’s focus, meanwhile, must be on improving their mediocre Premier League form. They were not in action on Sunday, when they were slated to face Everton, due to a Covid cluster among their squad, giving Brendan Rodgers another unwelcome headache.

Spurs to dent Hammers

Tottenham and West Ham promises to be a hotly-contested affair.

Spurs look a rejuvenated side under Antonio Conte, and with no European football for the spring, they will surely be looking for silverware in the EFL Cup. They remain undefeated domestically under the Italian and should maintain their momentum here.

West Ham made a strong start to the season but have been running out of steam lately. Impressive victories over Liverpool and Chelsea aside, they have been faltering for a month and could use some respite before the crazy Christmas period begins.

Recommended bets:

Arsenal to win and more than 2.5 goals @ 1.66
Liverpool to win @ 1.71
Tottenham to win @ 2.36