We've predicted the final results for each of this week's Carabao Cup quarter-finals, as well as providing a betting tip and favourite bet builder across the three matches.
Remember, Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace - the last of the quarter-finals - has been moved to next week to ease fixture congestion because of Palace's participation in the Europa Conference League.
Cardiff vs. Chelsea Prediction
Brian Barry-Murphy’s style of football is renowned for being extreme in its focus on possession, ideologically engrained to controlling the game by keeping the ball, but that surely has to be tweaked against top-flight opposition.
Chelsea are expected to make sweeping changes at Cardiff, as is the case with Maresca, and they did go behind against Lincoln City away from home in the third round. The Blues will still be expected to come out on top but it may not be straightforward.
Score Prediction: Cardiff 1-3 Chelsea (10/1 with Bet365)
MORE: Cardiff vs. Chelsea lineups, head-to-head record and team news
Our bet builder for Cardiff vs. Chelsea backs both teams to score with Chelsea to come out on top, Rubin Colwill to have a shot on target and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens to score anytime, which came to overall best odds of 14/1 with Bet365 at the time of writing.
Man City vs. Brentford Prediction
Manchester City will be expected to rotate in the EFL Cup but they have such a deep squad that it shouldn't matter too much when they welcome Brentford. The likes of James Trafford, Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake, Savinho and Oscar Bobb are high quality players who need minutes.
Brentford have made it difficult for some of the ‘big six’ this season but that has exclusively been when playing at home and they should succumb to a comfortable loss here.
Score Prediction: Man City 3-0 Brentford (17/2 with AK Bets)
Betting Tip: City remain susceptible defensively in transition, which should suit Kevin Schade fresh from returning from suspension. Backing the German to have at least two shots on target (8/1 with Bet365) may well represent good value.
Newcastle vs. Fulham Prediction
A theme of Eddie Howe’s reign in charge of Newcastle has been the Magpies getting themselves up and playing above their usual level on the big occasion so a cup quarter-final on Tyneside should be perfect to rouse them after a drab showing in the Tyne-Wear derby. Fulham are probably more focused on ensuring their mid-table Premier League status so a home win is the likeliest outcome.
Score Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Fulham (15/2 with Bet365)