The Premier League clubs involved in European football join the EFL Cup for its third round, meaning titleholders Manchester City will have the chance to make it five years in a row in which they have won the competition. Here is all the information you need on this week’s fixtures.
Viewing information
- Fixture dates: Tuesday, Sep. 21 and Wednesday, Sep. 22 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
- TV/Live stream: ESPN+
- Outright odds: Manchester City +250, Chelsea +600, Manchester United +800, Liverpool +800, Arsenal +1000, Leicester City +1200, Tottenham +1200 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Fixture list
Tuesday, Sep. 21 (all 2:45 p.m. ET)
- Brentford vs. Oldham Athletic
- Burnley vs. Rochdale
- Fulham vs. Leeds United
- Manchester City vs. Wycombe Wanderers
- Norwich City vs. Liverpool
- Preston North End vs. Cheltenham Town
- Queens Park Rangers vs. Everton
- Sheffield United vs. Southampton
- Watford vs. Stoke City
- Wigan Athletic vs. Sunderland
Wednesday, Sep. 22 (all 2:45 p.m. ET unless stated)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Swansea City (2:30 p.m. ET)
- Arsenal vs. AFC Wimbledon
- Chelsea vs. Aston Villa
- Manchester United vs. West Ham United
- Millwall vs. Leicester City
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Games to watch
Manchester City vs. Wycombe Wanderers: In Pep Guardiola’s five-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium only one team has beaten him in the EFL Cup and one of Manchester United’s two victories was swiftly overturned in the second leg of the 2020 semifinals. City are a dynasty in this competition, chasing their fifth straight triumph. Wycombe have only gone beyond the third round once in their history, reaching the semis 14 years ago. Gareth Ainsworth’s side are on a good run of form in League One but eliminating the holders would make for the greatest of shocks.
Wigan Athletic vs. Sunderland: It may not have the most glamorous of teams but if you are looking to get away from the rigmarole of the Premier League there could be worse teams to watch than the top two in League One battling it out. Fallen giants Sunderland have rediscovered their form under Lee Johnson whilst Wigan have dropped just two points since losing to the Black Cats on the opening day.
Arsenal vs. AFC Wimbledon: A London derby between Premier League and League One, this match could take on far greater importance for Mikel Arteta than the EFL Cup traditionally has for Arsenal managers now that there is no European football at the Emirates Stadium. The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe made hay against West Bromwich Albion’s Under 23s in the last round and their manager will be desperate to avoid what would be a famous upset if Wimbledon were to win.
Craving even more coverage of the world’s game? Listen below and follow ¡Qué Golazo! A Daily CBS Soccer Podcast where we take you beyond the pitch and around the globe for commentary, previews, recaps and more.
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa: With Dean Smith’s side likely to be firmly ensconced in mid table this season will there be a temptation at Villa Park to take a swing at the cup competitions? Villa were runners up in the EFL Cup in 2020 and have not won major silverware since lifting this trophy in 1996. Even if Thomas Tuchel rotates, the odds will be firmly stacked against them should the likes of Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech and perhaps Christian Pulisic enter the fray.
Manchester United vs. West Ham United: There are sure to be some players in foul moods on both sides after Sunday’s thrilling denouement at the London Stadium where Jesse Lingard scored in the last minute and Mark Noble came off the bench to miss an even later penalty. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be acutely aware that he is yet to win a trophy during his near three-year reign at Old Trafford. Like his Chelsea and Manchester City counterparts, the Red Devils boss can rotate whilst naming a strong side. The question is whether David Moyes, who has a Europa League campaign to factor in, will be inclined to merely play fringe players.
