As midweek European Football takes a break, its time for third round of Carabao Cup with some tasty matchups.
Both Manchester clubs feature amongst a packed opening night of fixtures in this round as some top flight clubs face potential cupsets.
Manchester United vs Derby County
This match pitches Jose Mourinho against one of his former Chelsea players as Frank Lampard brings his Derby side to Old Trafford.
Although Manchester United will be strong, Lampard knows how Mourinho sides play which could be key to causing a cupset here.
I am however expecting a solid United win here because I can’t see Derby doing much, with promotion being their main priority.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Derby County
Oxford United vs Manchester City
Manchester City are reigning champions but we have seen Pep Guardiola’s side slip up before at a League One club. Remember Wigan away in FA Cup last season anyone?
Oxford United currently are in relegation zone so this is a cup clash that they really can strive to use as a platform to kick-start their season.
City are however much stronger than when they visited Wigan so I can see only one result here.
Prediction: Oxford United 0-3 Manchester City
Burton Albion vs Burnley
Embed from Getty ImagesBurnley enter this off the back of their first domestic win at weekend but this trip to Burton will be a tough one.
The Brewsters are starting to find their best form and have an advantage in being able to field a strong team, after their league game at Barnsley was postponed on Saturday due to a medical incident.
I am expecting a decent game because Burnley will rotate and this is a side low on confidence, offering the perfect opportunity for a cupset but Burton have only scored once in three cup games against top flight sides.
Although Burton will offer a good fight, I can see Burnley coming through given their extra quality and the Brewsters’ poor record against Premier League teams.
Prediction: Burton Albion 1-2 Burnley
Millwall vs Fulham
Embed from Getty ImagesMillwall have an opportunity to put their league struggles to one side here because this clash with Fulham isn’t just a cup tie but also a tasty London derby.
Defence hasn’t been the best for either side this season with Millwall managing two clean sheets compared to the Cottagers’ none, although those clean sheets did come from a pair of 0-0 draws with one of those coming in first round against Gillingham.
We should therefore see plenty of goals and there hasn’t been much cup history between these teams in recent years, with their last meeting coming at this stage but in FA Cup when Millwall won after a replay in 1965.
Prediction wise, I reckon that this could be a tight but goal filled affair given the defensive woes of both sides but Millwall have the recent better cup pedigree so going for a cupset here.
Prediction: Millwall 3-2 Fulham
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