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Infused by the quality of big Premier League clubs, the third round of the Carabao Cup promises plenty of top-drawer football. Almost all Premier League clubs have been blessed with favorable fixtures, which should see them safely onto the next round. However, given Carabao Cup’s penchant for giant-killing, we are not ruling out a couple of surprises.
Most Premier League clubs tend to field their youngsters or out-of-favour stars in the Carabao Cup. And while that may not be as exciting as seeing in-form big-names, it does make matches more exciting.
Today, we will take all of that into account and give you a list of five players you should keep an eye on. Now, without further ado, let us check out five players to look out for in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
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#5 Timo Werner - Chelsea
Chelsea splashed €115million to sign Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window. Last year’s summer signing, Timo Werner, has been pushed down the pecking order following Lukaku’s arrival, and the German is desperate for a way back.
Timo Werner has featured in four Premier League games for Chelsea this season, starting only once. He has not scored in any of his four outings, managing only a single assist. The return is hardly encouraging for a striker, and Werner must find a way to get back to form. Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash against Aston Villa could give him the perfect opportunity to score a couple of goals.
With Lukaku set to be rested against Villa, Werner should get the nod. The German must make sure he hits the back of the net at least once.
#4 Alexander Lacazette - Arsenal
Alexander Lacazette used to be a hot property when Arsenal signed him from Lyon for €53 million in 2017. Unfortunately, the Frenchman has not yet touched the lofty standards he set in Ligue 1.
Under Mikel Arteta, Lacazette has only featured in one Premier League game this season, that too off the bench. His only goal in the current campaign came in the second round of the Carabao Cup, en route to Arsenal’s 6-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.
In the third round of the Carabao Cup, Arsenal will take on League One side AFC Wimbledon and are expected to win comfortably. Lacazette is likely to be the sole forward for the Gunners against Wimbledon and we expect the former Lyon striker to get on the scoresheet.
#3 Michail Antonio - West Ham United
The third round of the Carabao Cup has placed West Ham United in the path of Manchester United, setting up a mouthwatering encounter. The two went toe-to-toe in the Premier League last Sunday, with the Red Devils securing a 2-1 win over the hosts. West Ham missed their leading striker Michail Antonio terribly, with the 31-year-old serving a one-match ban following his red card against Southampton.
Now that Antonio’s suspension is over, he is set to return to the starting XI for the Carabao Cup game against Manchester United. He possesses excellent movement, a keen eye for goal, and can set up his teammates with sublime accuracy.
His return would give West Ham a much-needed morale boost and could even help them get revenge for Sunday’s defeat. Antonio has registered five goals and three assists for West Ham so far and we expect to improve his tally at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
#2 Jesse Lingard - Manchester United
Over the last couple of seasons, Jesse Lingard has become an afterthought - a player only good enough to start on the bench. Lingard seems to have embraced the limited role he has had this season and is trying to excel as a super sub.
In the last two Premier League games, Lingard came on in the final stretch of the match and popped up with two goals. On Sunday at West Ham, his 89th-minute stunner pulled United ahead and allowed his team to bring all three points from their trip to London.
Manchester United are set to welcome West Ham to Old Trafford on Wednesday for their Carabao Cup third-round tie. Lingard, who looks set to get a place in the starting XI, must make sure he wears his shooting boots.
#1 Phil Foden - Manchester City
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden faces stiff competition to become a regular at the club. In the Carabao Cup third-round tie against League One opposition Wycombe Wanderers, he will look to prove his worth to Pep Guardiola.
City, who were held to a goalless draw by Southampton last weekend, have won the last four Carabao Cups. The Sky Blues are determined to win their fifth and will look to put on a show for their fans in the third round.
Foden, who was man-of-the-match in the 2020 Carabao Cup final against Aston Villa, missed the first three Premier League games with a foot injury. He only returned to Premier League action in the draw against Southampton and needs an injection of confidence. The Under-17 World Cup winner has a knack for the spectacular, and we could see him in full swing in the Carabao Cup this Tuesday.
