Southampton vs. Stoke (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
© Imago
Taking a welcome break from Premier League duty, Southampton seek a spot in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup when Stoke City rock up to St Mary's on Tuesday night.
The Saints eliminated Everton on penalties to progress to the last 16 of this season's tournament, while their Championship foes were also triumphant from 12 yards against Fleetwood Town.
We say: Southampton 2-0 Stoke City
Stoke's failure to make the net bulge against Sheffield United made it four road games without a goal for the Potters, and that streak should become five for a side who often fail to bring their shooting boots with them to away days.
Southampton still should not expect an easy rise against a defence-heavy Potters team, but Martin's men put in a brilliant shift at the Etihad and have our vote to stroll into the quarter-finals.
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Brentford vs. Sheff Weds (Tuesday, 8.00pm)
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The Gtech Community Stadium faithful will be praying for a calmer affair when their beloved Brentford side host Sheffield Wednesday in the last 16 of the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
The Bees seek a place in the quarter-finals after Saturday's mesmerising 4-3 Premier League triumph over Ipswich Town, while their Championship counterparts earned their own one-goal triumph away to Portsmouth at the weekend.
We say: Brentford 3-1 Sheffield Wednesday
Any goalkeeper stepping foot onto the Gtech Community Stadium turf should not expect to keep a clean sheet, and that should be the case once again on Tuesday if Brentford's lack of defensive discipline is anything to go by.
However, Frank's rejigged attack should still have too much for Championship opposition, and the Bees ought to be EFL Cup quarter-finalists come the end of the night.
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Ben Knapton
