Carabao Cup Betting Tips: Blackburn and Ipswich to come out on top against Premier League operation

The Carabao Cup round of 16, or round four, shuffles into the spotlight this midweek as the hectic autumnal schedule continues. Burden or benefit though? Work that out and the League Cup is your oyster.  

West Ham vs Arsenal

Kick-off: 19:30 Wednesday, Sky Sports Main Event

Declan Rice may frequent the top end of the scale for defensive output, averaging 2.3 tackles per game, but his disciplinary record is squeaky clean. 

In a career spanning over 250 games, the England international has only picked up 29 cards (cards per 90 of 0.11) which is unusually low for a player of his ilk. This campaign, he is yet to be booked despite making 14 appearances in all competitions.

The only rationale for backing him to be booked on Wednesday evening is the fact that he returns to his boyhood club for the first time. 

Prediction: Declan Rice to be shown a card @ 4.0

Bournemouth vs Liverpool 

Kick-off: 19:45 Wednesday 

Bournemouth were the Premier League’s perennial ‘dark horses’ ahead of this season. It has not exactly worked out for Andoni Iraola’s side, though they did win at the weekend. 

Only Burnley, the side they beat on Saturday, and basement boys Sheffield United have conceded more goals, the Cherries averaging 2.1 GA per game. 

In 12 games in all competitions, only three sides have failed to score at least two goals and in three matches against the ‘big six’ the South Coast side have shipped nine goals. Liverpool scored a third of those. 

The Reds are heavy odds on to hit the double here and with Darwin Nunez starting the last two games, Cody Gakpo should spearhead the side. The Dutchman has scored in each of his last three starts. 

Prediction: Cody Gakpo anytime goalscorer @ 3.2

Chelsea vs Blackburn

Kick-off: 19:45 Wednesday 

What’s your 10 cents on Chelsea? Arsene Wenger reckons the Blues players are getting paid enough money, so it must be a confidence thing. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were well beaten on Saturday, meaning Brentford remain unbeaten in their last four games with the Blues, scoring eight and only conceding once. 

They have hardly been convincing in this competition either. Chelsea’s first game saw the visit of AFC Wimbledon and the League Two side had their noses in front within 20 mins. 

Pochettino should make wholesale changes, as will his opposite number but in a game that goes straight to penalties if honours are even at the end of the 90 why wouldn’t you want to get Rovers onside. 

Prediction: Blackburn to qualify @ 6.0

Ipswich vs Fulham

Kick-off: 19:45 Wednesday 

Ipswich at Portman Road compared to on the road are chalk and cheese. 

On their travels, 71% of the Tractor boys games have seen two or fewer goals scored. On their own patch, all but two of their games have seen over 2.5 goals click. 

At home, Kieran McKenna’s side's games have averaged a staggering 4.67 goals, two seven goal thrillers, one six and three five goal games all within the last two months. You would have to go back to mid-August to find a fixture where the hosts failed to score at least three and they have not scored less than two this campaign. 

I think backing them to put Fulham to the sword in a goal laden affair is worth a punt at a juicy price. 

Prediction: Ipswich to win & both teams to score @ 5.6

Man Utd vs Newcastle

Kick-off: 20:15 Wednesday, Sky Sports Football

Manchester United’s unbeaten run of three games came to an abrupt end on Sunday as local rivals ran riot at Old Trafford. 

A Erling Haaland brace and a goal from Phil Foden completed a Red Devils humbling, not that the run of three games convinced anyone that Erik ten Hag’s side had turned a corner. 

Man Utd’s boss made several strange decisions Sunday, no Raphaël Varane, hooking 

Sofyan Amrabat at half time then swapped Rasmus Hojlund for Alejandro Garnacho. It is enough to make you wonder if the Dutch manager is feeling the pressure… 

Next up is the visit of Newcastle and though silverware could once again prove crucial in bidding ten Hag time, the hosts look an appetising price to fall short here. 

Prediction: Newcastle Asian Handicap (-1) @ 5.9

Recommended Bets

Back Declan Rice to be shown a card @ 4.0
Back Cody Gakpo anytime goalscorer @ 3.2
Back Blackburn to qualify @ 6.0
Back Ipswich to win & both teams to score @ 5.6
Back Newcastle Asian Handicap (-1) @ 5.9