The Carabao Cup takes centre stage this week with a number of intriguing third-round fixtures involving Premier League sides and teams from the Championship and lower divisions. There are several eye-catching ties on the schedule, including Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion.
Here are our Carabao Cup predictions for this week's fixtures, including predicted scores and a brief look at what could happen in each game.
Peterborough United - Barnsley
A clash between two League One sides could produce one of the closest contests of the Carabao Cup third round. Both Peterborough United and Barnsley have had difficult starts to their league campaigns, making this a difficult fixture to call.
However, Barnsley could have just enough quality to edge what should be a competitive encounter. We expect a narrow away victory in a game where there may not be much separating the two teams.
Prediction: Peterborough United 1 - 2 Barnsley
West Ham United - Fulham
This London derby presents an interesting Carabao Cup test for both West Ham United and Fulham. We are expected a thrilling game here filled with lots of goals.
West Ham will have the advantage of playing at home, while Fulham have enough quality to make this a competitive encounter. We feel a shock result is about to happen & West Ham will Knock Fulham out of the Competition.
Prediction: West Ham United 3-2 Fulham
Ipswich Town - Arsenal
Expect nothing less than an Arsenal battering here. Ipswich Town face a major challenge against an Arsenal side with considerably greater squad depth and quality.
The Gunners should control possession, create the majority of the chances and have enough attacking quality to put the game beyond doubt. Even if Arsenal make several changes to their starting XI, their squad should still be strong enough to dominate this contest.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 0 - 3 Arsenal
Liverpool - Tottenham Hotspur
This is arguably the biggest game of the Carabao Cup schedule this week. Both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have endured difficult periods, but Spurs' problems have been particularly concerning.
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham have struggled badly in front of goal and have been unable to score so far this season. A trip to Anfield is therefore about as difficult as it gets for a side desperate to rediscover its attacking confidence.
Iraola's Liverpool should have too much quality at home and are expected to take advantage of Tottenham's weaknesses. Another defeat would only increase the pressure on De Zerbi.
Prediction: Liverpool 3 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
Reading - Brentford
Brentford head into this fixture in terrific form and have established themselves as an extremely difficult team to beat. Their intensity, organisation and attacking threat should make this a particularly tough evening for Reading.
The gulf in quality between the sides should ultimately become evident, especially if Brentford approach the game with the same intensity they have shown recently. Reading is unlikely to have enough to contain them.
Prediction: Reading 1 - 4 Brentford
Everton - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers were in the Premier League last season but now find themselves competing in the Championship. Everton, meanwhile, have made a decent start to their Premier League campaign and should be confident heading into this cup tie.
Playing at home should give Everton another advantage, while their greater experience at the top level should help them deal with the pressure of a knockout fixture. Wolves can make the game competitive, but Everton are expected to progress.
Prediction: Everton 2 - 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Fleetwood Town - Sheffield United
Fleetwood Town, a League Two side, face Championship opposition in Sheffield United. The difference in league level and squad quality should make Sheffield United strong favourites.
Fleetwood will hope home advantage can give them a chance of causing an upset, but Sheffield United should have enough quality throughout the squad to control the game. A comfortable victory for the Championship side looks the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Fleetwood Town 1 - 3 Sheffield United
Coventry City - Aston Villa
Aston Villa have endured a horrible run, but Coventry City have also struggled under Frank Lampard. That makes this an intriguing Midlands contest despite Villa entering the fixture as favourites.
Unai Emery's side should have enough individual quality to get the job done, although we do not expect a dominant performance. Coventry could make things uncomfortable, but Villa should eventually find a way through.
Prediction: Coventry City 1 - 2 Aston Villa
Manchester United - Brighton & Hove Albion
Michael Carrick will be under huge pressure to produce a positive response following Manchester United's Manchester derby defeat. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, they face a Brighton side that has been in impressive form.
Brighton's energy, attacking threat and confidence could cause Manchester United significant problems. United will need a major improvement to avoid another disappointing result, but Brighton look capable of inflicting further damage on the Red Devils.
Prediction: Manchester United 1 - 3 Brighton & Hove Albion
Manchester City - Norwich City
This should be a walk in the park for Manchester City. Even with heavy rotation, Enzo Maresca's squad has enough quality and depth to comfortably overcome Norwich City.
City should dominate possession, create numerous chances and have little trouble breaking down their Championship opponents. Unless Norwich produce a major upset, Manchester City should cruise into the next round.
Prediction: Manchester City 4 - 0 Norwich City
With several Premier League sides facing lower-league opposition, the Carabao Cup third round could produce some comfortable victories. However, the heavyweight clashes could provide the biggest drama, particularly Liverpool vs Tottenham and Manchester United vs Brighton.