Carabao Cup third round: 10 talking points including do Man Utd have strength in depth?

The big clubs face some tricky tests ahead in the third round of the Carabao Cup
The big clubs face some tricky tests ahead in the third round of the Carabao Cup

Do United have strength in depth?

Manchester United v Burton Albion, Wednesday 8pm

Following Paul Pogba's injury last Tuesday in the Champions League, Jose Mourinho is likely to give a runout to his second-string players, hoping to avoid a similar occurrence. Their Championship opponents have come along way since these sides last met in 2006, when Burton were in the Conference. Last round the visitors brought 33 fans to Cardiff - expect many more on Wednesday night.

Doncaster face Mission Impossible

Arsenal v Doncaster Rovers, Wednesday 7.45pm

According to current league standings, this is the biggest mismatch of the round, with two divisions and 42 places separating the sides in England's football pyramid. The away team have beaten their opponents once in their history, yet that was in 1902 when the North London club was known as Woolwich Arsenal.

Can Spurs take Wembley lesson from Barnsley?

Tottenham Hotspur v Barnsley, Tuesday 8pm

Barnsley have been victorious on their last two trips to Wembley - winning the League One play-off Final and Football League Trophy in 2016. Tottenham, meanwhile, are well aware of the apparent curse the ground has on the players; they are yet to win there in the league this season. Barnsley have struggles of their own, currently laying 20th in the Championship.

Mauricio Pochettino
Spurs' struggles at Wembley have continued this season

Can Sakho spring joy back into Palace?

Crystal Palace v Huddersfield, Tuesday 7.45pm

One reason to be cheerful for Palace fans will be the return of Mahmadou Sakho, the defender who cost the club £26m. After a woeful start to the season, the Frenchman should bolster Roy Hodgson's defence as they face David Wagner's gegenpressing Huddersfield side, who beat them 3-0 just over a month ago.

The most glamorous tie of the round is...

Chelsea v Nottingham Forest, Wednesday 7.45pm

This match-up has some prestige: it is the only third-round tie where both sides have won a European Cup. Both also won the Full Members' Cup a record two times; a trophy spawned from English teams' ban from European competition. Chelsea have weathered the storm since their opening day defeat (winning three and drawing one), while Nottingham Forest have been inconsistent with four wins and four losses so far.

Woodburn can give Liverpool lift-off

Leicester City v Liverpool, Tuesday 7.45pm

Welsh wonderkid Ben Woodburn could play at the King Power, as Jurgen Klopp opts for youth to turnaround the club's disappointing week. Woodburn scored for Wales with his first touch in international football two weeks ago, enhancing the hype around him. Leicester, meanwhile, are hoping their positive performances begin to bear fruit, after a tough start to the season.

Liverpool are likely to turn to Ben Woodburn for their tie against Leicester
Liverpool are likely to turn to Ben Woodburn for their tie against Leicester

Koeman braced for prickly fans

Everton v Sunderland, Wednesday 7.45pm

A 4-0 loss to Manchester United was deemed harsh by many, but it only exacerbated the discomfort around Everton at the moment. Critics have called them slow and toothless up front, and wasteful with the 'Lukaku money', all of which means Koeman is feeling the fans' angst. Sunderland continue to be on the slide, in the relegation positions of the Championship following last season's demotion from the top tier, but might fancy their chances.

Wood can haunt his former employers

Burnley v Leeds United, Tuesday 7.45pm

Burnley's in-form striker Chris Wood faces his old club, just weeks after being sold. Leeds have performed terrifically since then, however, notching 14 goals on their way to top spot in the Championship, even if their charge was halted at Millwall last weekend. Burnley will be buoyed from a hard-fought point at Anfield on Saturday.

Chris Wood celebrates for Burnley
Chris Wood goes up against his former employers

History counts against West Brom

West Brom v Manchester City, Wednesday 8pm

In the 151st meeting between the clubs, Tony Pulis' men will be keen to end a dismal drought of 14 games without a win against City. History would have it that their last victory was in the League Cup, however, back in 2010. City have scored 15 goals in their last three games, but Pep Guardiola is likely to field a slightly weaker side - if you can call it that - for this competition.

Sinking feeling at the seaside

Bournemouth v Brighton, Tuesday 7.45pm

The Cherries and The Seagulls have had poor starts to the campaign, each winning once. For Bournemouth, that victory came against Brighton on Friday night. Neither side has reached the final of the League Cup before; this season may be a good start to spark their league form.

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