Four Premier League sides return to EFL Cup action on Tuesday night – but will Chelsea, Manchester City, Leicester and Aston Villa all overcome lower league opposition?
Here’s what to watch out for on a busy night of knockout action.
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Chilwell returns for Chelsea
England left-back Ben Chilwell was one of the players frozen out by new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca this summer.
But while Raheem Sterling left on transfer deadline day to join Arsenal, Chilwell stayed behind and will be given his first action since April against League Two leaders Barrow at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca said: “Hopefully we can give him some minutes.
“The idea for him was to leave. In the moment that he’s here, he’s one of the squad, he’s training. He will be in the squad and hopefully we can give him some minutes.”
City wait on Rodri news
Manchester City are yet to confirm how long key midfielder Rodri will be out for, and will also still be missing Kevin de Bruyne when they welcome Watford.
“I don’t think it will be long,” manager Pep Guardiola said of De Bruyne’s expected return after City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
“I cannot say how long for, I don’t know for Newcastle at the weekend but it won’t be long. (He has) discomfort in his legs.”
City thrashed Watford 6-0 in the 2019 FA Cup final.
Leicester and Villa hit the road
Back in the Carabao Cup 🏆#WSLLEI pic.twitter.com/aKtkU0l1rf
— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 23, 2024
Leicester have won the EFL Cup three times – most recently in 2000 – and travel to League Two opposition Walsall.
Manager Steve Cooper will name a strong side for the tie.
“It’s a game we want to win,” he said.
“It’s a game where the team we put out will be an experienced and strong one.
“Whether we decide to make changes or go with players who play in the league, it will be an experienced team and a game we want to win.”
Villa have a Champions League campaign to manage as they travel to face Wycombe Wanderers, with manager Unai Emery saying: “The FA Cup is maybe more important than this cup, but it is a trophy and we are going to compete.
“Of course I am going to change some players but I am going to prepare a plan to win.”
