Capital One Cup: Match Predictions

The Capital One Cup, arguably, England’s less important domestic knockout cup, is back tonight and all eyes will be on the tournament because the Premier League’s big boys will be making their first appearance in the tournament.

The League Cup (as it is originally known) is usually used by Premier League clubs to give some of their talented youngsters some game-time, especially in the early rounds, although smaller clubs tend to take the competition a little more seriously. This article is going to quickly preview and predict the results of four of the matches scheduled to take place in this round:

Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspurs

Andre Villas Boas

Villa’s recent form has been slightly mixed, and the fact that they are missing their star striker Christian Benteke through injury will only serve to compound their woes. The task of leading the line will be handed to Libor Kozak, who came off the bench against Norwich to net the winner.

Spurs, backed by a massive spending splurge in the summer, haven’t looked much better, although they do have better squad depth than Villa. Given that Spurs are playing Chelsea at White Hart Lane this Saturday, Villas-Boas will want to rest a few key players against Villa.

Youngsters Andros Townsend, Zeki Fryers and Kyle Naughton might possibly get the nod to start. Villa have a tough assignment this weekend against a strong Manchester City side, but won’t have the luxury of resting too many players unless Lambert decides not to take this particular tournament too seriously.

Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Tottenham

Fulham vs Everton

Romelu Lukaku of Everton

Fulham have endured a slightly difficult start to the campaign. The fact that they are missing Dimitar Berbatov hasn’t exactly helped their case. Everton, under the leadership of Roberto Martinez, have started the season well, upsetting title favourites Chelsea, while also remaining unbeaten in the League so far, the only club to do so at the moment.

While Fulham might be a little short on firepower, Everton, with the likes of Arouna Kone and Romelu Lukaku in their squad, can’t say the same thing. One wouldn’t be too surprised if Martinez fielded youngsters like Gerard Deulofeu and James McCarthy along with Magaye Gueye and Apostolos Vellios.

That being said, Fulham cannot be underestimated because they have players like Adel Taarabt, Alexander Kacaniklic and Pajtim Kasami in their ranks.

Prediction: Fulham 0-3 Everton

West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal

Arsene Wenger

West Brom hammered Sunderland 3-0 over the weekend, a result that cost Paolo Di Canio his job. Anelka’s return and the signing of Stephan Sessegnon will be a bonus for the Baggies, but Arsenal won’t be easy to beat. The Gunners have been in flying form recently, with Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey being their stand-out performers.

However, Wenger is always known to start his youngsters in the League Cup so one can fully expect players like Serge Gnabry (who played against Stoke), Ryo Miyaichi, Yaya Sanogo and Gedion Zelalem to get a start against West Brom. While Steve Clarke might not have the luxury of chopping and changing his squad too much, one can expect West Brom to give a slightly weakened Arsenal a tough time.

Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Arsenal

Manchester City vs Wigan Athletic

Stefan Jovetic of Manchester City

Both teams are poles apart as far as form is concerned. Wigan are still trying to adapt to a new style of play under Owen Coyle and results have been varied. In contrast, City are coming off a commanding 4-1 win over rivals and current Premier League champions Manchester United.

City will no doubt look to rest a few players, but their excellent squad depth means one can expect players like Aguero and Negredo to be replaced by Jovetic and Dzeko, respectively. Bit-part players like Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell might also get a game. Unfortunately for Wigan, it doesn’t seem like they will have much of a chance of beating City.

Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Wigan Athletic