Man City vs. Watford (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
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A matchup that will trigger many a painful memory for the visiting crowd, Manchester City and Watford cross paths in Tuesday's EFL Cup third-round clash at the Etihad Stadium.
While the reigning Premier League champions enter one of their favourite competitions - at least in terms of success under Pep Guardiola - at this stage, the Hornets have already seen off MK Dons and Plymouth Argyle to set up a glamour tie.
We say: Manchester City 2-0 Watford
Even with a full complement of changes and several young stars handed opportunities to impress, expect Man City's streak of scoring multiple goals in games against Watford to continue as the Citizens progress to round four.
Cleverley's Hornets are low on morale right now and have been hit by two defensive injury blows at the worst time, so we cannot envisage the out-of-sorts visitors getting something against a makeshift City unit, albeit one still brimming with talent.
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> Arsenal hero Stones among 11 changes? How Man City could line up vs. Watford
> Rodri, De Bruyne concerns: Man City injury list for Watford clash
AFC Wimbledon vs. Newcastle (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
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On the back of their first defeat of the 2024-25 season, Newcastle United seek to right the wrongs of the weekend in Tuesday's EFL Cup third-round clash with AFC Wimbledon.
Eddie Howe's side lost their unbeaten streak in a 3-1 loss to Fulham in Saturday's Premier League affair, while their fourth-tier hosts played out a goalless stalemate with Bradford City.
We say: AFC Wimbledon 0-3 Newcastle United
Staunch defending has come naturally to Wimbledon in recent weeks, and the hosts should be paid the respect that they deserve from Newcastle after already dumping out one top-flight side.
However, even a second-string Magpies team should make light work of their League Two opponents, as Howe gets the response he is after to the weekend's disappointment.
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Chelsea vs. Barrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
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Chelsea will look to continue their strong start to the season when they welcome League Two Barrow to Stamford Bridge in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
There are 64 places between the two sides in the English pyramid heading into the tie - the largest gap between any matchup in the third round.
We say: Chelsea 4-0 Barrow
Even with expected wholesale changes, Chelsea should have no problem in booking their place in the fourth round in one of the biggest mismatches seen in the competition this season.
Barrow are in excellent form, but this will be a wholly different challenge, with Chelsea's deep squad allowing them to call upon multiple full internationals as backup, and their quality should show.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> Maresca to make 11 changes? Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Barrow
> Lavia, James, Gusto: Chelsea injury, suspension list for Barrow cup tie
Walsall vs. Leicester (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
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Newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester City make the trip to the Bescot Stadium to face League Two Walsall in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday.
Leicester's only win so far this season came in this competition against another League Two outfit, Tranmere Rovers, after claiming a third draw of the campaign at the weekend.
We say: Walsall 0-3 Leicester City
Leicester may be taking their time to readjust to the level of the Premier League, but their win in round two over Tranmere suggests they should have little trouble in seeing off another League Two side here.
Walsall are in fine form, especially at home with five wins from five so far, but this challenge will be much more arduous than any they have faced so far, and they are likely to suffer elimination.
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Wycombe vs. Aston Villa (Tuesday, 8.00pm)
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After posting four wins on the spin, Aston Villa begin their EFL Cup campaign on Tuesday evening, as they visit Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.
Drawn together in the League Cup for a third time, the hosts will hope to upset their top-flight visitors on this occasion, having shipped no fewer than 13 goals in two previous meetings.
We say: Wycombe Wanderers 1-3 Aston Villa
As Aston Villa have other priorities - and are likely to field an unfamiliar team - Wycombe could pose a threat to their Premier League opponents for a while, before succumbing to defeat by the final whistle.
Villa's squad does not run too deep, but it contains some promising players, so they should eventually grind out a win and reach the third round.
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Ben Knapton
