EFL Cup tips: Three strong plays from Wednesday’s quarter-final hunt

The EFL Cup fourth round serves up five midweek crackers as Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all look to reach the next round.

We’ve picked out three bets that should reward punters backing the big guns to progress.

Gunners’ quality should shine in goal-filled clash

Arsenal’s pursuit of domestic cup glory continues as they welcome Brighton to the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s men have been relentless this season having lost only twice, at the hands of Liverpool and Newcastle.

Even with rotation expected, Arsenal’s attacking depth should be too much for a Brighton side that struggles defensively on the road. The Seagulls have conceded in fiver of their last seven away outings and rarely sit back, meaning an open, end-to-end encounter is likely.

Brighton’s front line is always capable of a goal, having failed to score only once this season. Arsenal’s firepower should see them through comfortably in a lively contest, but expect Brighton to create goalscoring opportunities.

City’s attacking cavalry to run riot in South Wales

Despite the likelihood of wholesale changes, City’s second string is comfortably Premier League quality and the Swans should not pose much of threat should Pep decide to mix things up.

Swansea’s approach under new management has been admirably attack-minded, but this leaves them exposed against superior opposition. The Swans have been involved in high-scoring affairs at home, with four of their last six matches at the Swansea.com Stadium featuring three or more goals.

City’s attackers will be hungry to stake their claim for more regular minutes against Championship opposition that conceded twice to a struggling Nottingham Forest in the last round.

Reds to come out all guns blazing against the Eagles

Liverpool return to Anfield on Wednesday looking to respond after the last meeting’s dramatic 90+7 winner by Eddie Nketiah cost them dearly against Crystal Palace. The Reds’ recent run has been far from convincing and a decisive home win would boost confidence ahead of a busy spell.

Palace arrive on Merseyside having stumbled themselves, with no wins in their last four outings after a promising start to the campaign.

Manager Arne Slot is expected to field his strongest XI as Liverpool cannot afford any further slip-ups. With the crowd behind them under the lights at Anfield, all signs point to a high-intensity performance from the home side.