Day off for Premier League heavyweights? Not for MUFC and NUFC
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 10.01.23. | 14:46
Man Utd and Newcastle are fighting for their place in the EFL Cup semifinal against Charlton and Leicester, respectivelly
Modern football has no such thing as a day off, especially in those top European countries. If there's no league game on the menu, then it's definitely a good time for some cup ties. And in England, where there are two major cup tournaments, mid-week is a perfect time for some of those do-or-die fixtures.
Just like the ones we're about to see on Tuesday night, as two of four EFL Cup (League Cup) ties are scheduled for 11 PM Nairobi time. Manchester United await Charlton Athletic in a single-leg quarterfinal fixture, and are massive favourites to win this one.
Despite Charlton's upset against EPL side Brighton in that recent seven-goal thriller, the third-division outfit stands no chance at Old Trafford against much-improved Erik ten Hag's slot. Marcus Rashford is on fire, regardless of the coach's decision to give him a go from the start and or to put him in later in the second half.
After topping Vincent Kompany's Burnley 2-0 at the same ground, the Red Devils would surely make the most of this opportunity and book themselves a place in the semifinal.
The last time they won the second-most significant cup in England, back in the 2016-17 season, it was Jose Mourinho in the dugout. A long time has passed since, and they seem eager enough to grab the EFL Cup trophy.
Moreover, another EPL superpower is about to make a Tuesday late-night statement, as Newcastle United are facing Leicester City at St James' Park.
Eddie Howe's side is sliding through the EPL like a knife through butter and is definitely hoping to recreate some of that confidence and pace in the good old EFL Cup. On the other hand, Leicester somehow survived a recent FA Cup away challenge at Gillingham, but those three straight EPL losses tell a story of their own. Brandon Rodgers' slot is not in a position to threaten the Magpies. Plenty of goals in the prospect and lots of excitement ahead of us this Tuesday night...
EFL CUP - QUARTER-FINALS
Tuesday
23.00: (1.15) Man.Utd. (8.50) Charlton (15.0)
23.00: (1.60) Newcastle (3.90) Leicester (5.80)
Wednesday
22.45: (2.70) Nott.Forest (3.10) Wolverhampton (2.75)
23.00: (10.0) Southampton (6.00) Man.City (1.27)
*** odds are subject to change
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