Manchester City vs Salford City - Manchester City to win.
Manchester City are likely to rotate their options at the weekend, and with that, they are still expected to overcome Salford City. The two sides met in the third round of last season’s FA Cup, in which the Citizens were comfortable 8-0 winners. Manchester City come into this game with no losses in their previous six matches, having won their last three. Salford City has won two of their last four matches in League Two, with defeats to Accrington Stanley (1-0) and Chesterfield (0-1).
Southampton vs Leicester City - Southampton to win
Southampton and Leicester City were involved in arguably one of the games of the season in midweek, as the Foxes squandered a three-goal lead at home to the Saints to lose the game 4-3 in the 97th minute. That win now leaves Southampton on a three-game winning streak and no defeats in their previous five matches in all competitions. The Foxes are winless in their last six matches and head into this game without a win in their last four, following the collapse in midweek against their opponents in this cup fixture.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United - Aston Villa to win
Aston Villa’s home record gives them the advantage against Newcastle United, as the Villains have won six of their last eight matches at Villa Park, following their late 1-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek. Aston Villa overcame Premier League opposition in the previous round, when they beat Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-1 scoreline away from home.
Newcastle have been going through a poor period of form lately, losing five of their last nine matches in the league and cup. Away from home, the Magpies have only won once in their last five matches, and have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches on the road.
Liverpool vs Brighton - Liverpool to win
Arne Slot’s side picked up an important 1-0 victory over Sunderland in midweek and the Reds have now won four of their last six matches in all competitions, scoring first in six of their last eight games. Liverpool has not lost to Brighton in the last five home meetings against the Seagulls.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side are without a win in their last five matches following their 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa in midweek. Brighton & Hove Albion have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven matches in all competitions and are without a win in their last two games away from home.
Stoke City vs Fulham - Fulham to win
Stoke City are likely to face a difficult challenge when they face Premier League side Fulham at home this weekend. Despite their recent overall improvement, the Potters have still struggled at home in the league, going without a win in their last five home matches. Fulham are without a win in their last three away games; however, context is needed, as the Cottagers have lost to Leeds, Manchester United and Manchester City. Fulham have already faced Championship opposition in this competition, when they dispatched of league leaders Middlesbrough (3-1) in the third round.
Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic - Arsenal to win
Arsenal will be seen as one of the favourites for the competition, as the Premier League leaders should breeze past Wigan Athletic, even with a rotated side. The Gunners have lost only once in their last 10 home matches in all competitions. Mikel Arteta’s side comfortably dealt with the threat posed by Championship side Portsmouth in the previous round.
Wigan Athletic are expected to be without a manager for their trip to the Emirates Stadium, following Ryan Lowe’s dismissal. The Latics are on a terrible run of form, with six games without a win and four straight defeats against Reading (1-2), Peterborough United (6-1), Lincoln City (0-1) and Wycombe Wanderers (2-0).