The Carabao Cup action continues this week, with Round Four of the competition offering up eight intriguing ties. Here’s our preview…
League leaders meet
Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers have made terrific starts to the new season and, on Tuesday night, the pair do battle at the Etihad.
City currently sit top of the tree in the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola’s side racking up 25 points from a possible 27 so far, while Wolves’ beginning to the campaign has also been impressive, taking 29 points from their opening 13 encounters.
The pair are also top scorers in their respective leagues, so the game could offer up plenty of entertainment for those in attendance.
Top tier clash at the Bridge
Everton’s first match since Ronald Koeman’s departure sees them travel to Chelsea under the temporary management of David Unsworth, looking for a first Carabao Cup triumph over the Blues.
Emphatic progression came the way of the two clubs in the Third Round of the competition, when respective victories against Championship opposition saw them through with ease. The Toffees beat Nottingham Forest 3-0, while Michy Batshuayi hit a hat-trick as the Blues defeated Sunderland 5-1.
In terms of league form, Antonio Conte’s reigning league champions come into the encounter on the back of a 4-2 home success over Watford, while the Toffees were beaten 5-2 at Goodison Park by Arsenal.
TV games
Two fixtures from Round Four will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with one clash being shown on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
TV Games: Read more on Sky Sports' Round Four selections
The first of these comes from the Liberty Stadium, where Swansea City play host to last year’s winners, Manchester United. Paul Clement and Jose Mourinho’s sides both secured comfortable passages to the Fourth Round, and meet for the first time in this competition.
Attention then shifts to Wembley on Wednesday night, as Tottenham Hotspur take on London rivals, West Ham United. There have been eight previous match-ups between the two clubs in this competition, with things level in terms of wins (three each, with two draws in the original format).
Around the grounds
Four other matches are also on the agenda in Round Four, one of which takes place at the Emirates Stadium, where Norwich City travel to Arsenal on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including Sunday’s triumph at rivals Ipswich Town.
At Dean Court, Bournemouth face Middlesbrough in a fixture that brought about a 4-0 win for the Cherries last season. Bristol City suffered their first loss since August at the weekend, losing at home to Leeds United. They’re back at Ashton Gate where they welcome Crystal Palace.
And speaking of Leeds, Thomas Christiansen’s men are involved in Tuesday night’s other tie, which sees them visit three-time winners Leicester City.
