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Capital One Cup – Tuesday Preview

By Geoff Nichols

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Tuesday afternoon signals the start of the Third Round of the Capital One Cup, the first of two English Cup competitions that run parallel to the Premier League. The Third Round is where the heavyweights enter the draw, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. Manchester United were humiliated in Round Two, suffering a 4-0 thrashing away to MK Dons. Bigger teams will be wary of a similar upset, but will also look to use this opportunity to use some fringe players in their squads.

Here’s a rundown of what you can watch this afternoon:

Selected Fixtures:

Arsenal v Southampton

A must watch for fans of attractive soccer, both teams are known for being easy on the eye. Southampton travel to the Emirates in great form under new manager Ronald Koeman and will be looking to spring a cupset (a cup upset.) Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed midfielder Abou Diaby will start the game, the Frenchman having been plagued by injuries through his career. Prediction: 3-1 Arsenal

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Liverpool v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough will be sensing the chance for an upset as they face a Liverpool team that has started in very shakily in the Premier League. Middlesbrough may be a division lower in the Championship, but they know that Liverpool will rest their key players. Mario Balotelli is likely to be rotated with forward Rickie Lambert who will make his first start for the club. Prediction: 2-0 Liverpool

Swansea v Everton

Another game involving two teams who play an attractive brand of soccer. Everton have been struggling at home in recent games, so may welcome a trip to Swansea. Both teams are mid-tier Premier League teams who always value a cup run, so expect a hard fought encounter. Prediction: 1-0 Swansea

Fulham v Doncaster (3pm)

Fulham have had a miserable start to life in the Championship and have already sacked manager Felix Magath. Stories are coming out that Magath suggested using cheese to help players recover from injury, which is as bizarre as it sounds. Caretaker manager Kit Symons will look to guide Fulham to victory, but League 1 side Doncaster will be looking to take advantage of Fulham’s lack of confidence. Despite being a league below, Doncaster could well progress. Prediction: 1-0 Doncaster

Other Games:

Cardiff v Bournemouth

Derby v Reading

Leyton Orient v Sheff Utd

MK Dons v Bradford

Shrewsbury v Norwich

Sunderland v Stoke

All 2.45pm Kick-Off Unless Stated

Let me know what your predictions for these Capital One Cup games are and if you think there might be an upset or two.

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