ClapWhile we may be in the midst of another enticing Premier League weekend, we’ve also had a week full of League Cup excitement that has taken us down to just 16 teams left in the competition.
We’re just a few steps away from Wembley and with that in mind, we want to take a look at the eight ties that’ll go down next month with each being as unpredictable and intriguing as the last.
Chelsea vs Southampton
Chelsea are one of the scariest teams in world football right now and if they play something resembling a ‘strong’ team in the next round, they’re more than capable of causing into the last eight.
The Saints, on the flip side of things, are slowly but surely making a name for themselves as a tough team to beat – and they’ll hope to keep that going against the Blues.
West Ham vs Manchester City
From their strong form in the league to beating Manchester United in the last round, West Ham United are looking as good as they have done in a long time this season.
Manchester City, though, have won this competition four years in a row and they’re still going to be the clear favourites to make it five.
Leicester vs Brighton
Brighton beat Leicester in the Premier League just a matter of weeks ago but we all know that doesn’t mean much in a cup setting.
The Seagulls are likely to put out a decent team but the Foxes, having won the FA Cup last season, will be eager to replicate that success.
Burnley vs Tottenham
Burnley haven’t had the luck of the draw in terms of results so far this campaign but they’re the kind of team who are always in the fight until the very last breath.
Spurs, on the flip side, could use a distraction from the league and will hope to build on their penalty shootout success over Wolves.
QPR vs Sunderland
Queens Park Rangers were the big giant killers in the third round as they overcame adversity to beat Everton and seal their place in the last 16.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are the last third tier side left in the mix after beating Wigan – which should mean there’s everything to play for here.
Arsenal vs Leeds
Arsenal, like their local rivals Spurs, need something to forget about their troubles in the Premier League, and the League Cup offers up the perfect excuse to do just that.
Leeds United have been somewhat figured out in the early stages of the PL season but they’ll always be up for a scrap – especially against the Gunners.
Stoke vs Brentford
Stoke have been on a really nice run of form as of late including a big win over Watford in the last round, indicating that they could potentially be the favourites here if they don’t take Brentford too seriously.
Then again, the Bees have gotten off to a flying start in their long-awaited top flight return – and a run all the way to the cup final doesn’t sound too outlandish.
Preston vs Liverpool
Preston North End are clearly the big underdogs in this local battle but they’ll be well aware of Liverpool’s tendency to play a weakened side in the League Cup.
If that happens in the fourth round, there’s every reason to believe the hosts can spring a surprise.
