19:45 Tuesday

Newcastle vs Leicester – Newcastle to win

Newcastle face Leicester at St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, with both searching for a place in the final four of the competition.

The two sides played each other on Boxing Day at the King Power, where Newcastle ran out 3-0 winners. Since that game, Newcastle are yet to win a game - drawing 0-0 to both Leeds and Arsenal, as well as losing in the FA Cup third round to Sheffield Wednesday.

The hosts have not reached a semi-final of any competition since 2005, where they played Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals. The wait for silverware at St James’ Park is long overdue, and a triumph in the Carabao Cup could be a sign of things to come for the Geordies.

As for Leicester, they have lost their last three league matches, but did qualify for the fourth round of the FA Cup, beating Gillingham 1-0. They are still only two points of the relegation zone but have found respite for their league woes in both cup competitions.

However, with their spirited fans behind them, we think Newcastle will win.

19:45 Tuesday

Manchester United vs Charlton – United to win to nil

Manchester United have a relatively easy tie against Charlton to navigate to secure their Carabao Cup semi-final spot. Erik ten Hag has got his side into the Top 4 after a dismal start, and currently enjoys a lot of support from fans of the club.

Sealing their first piece of silverware in over five years by winning the Carabao Cup would go a long way to keeping the praise coming. With only one goal conceded since they returned from the World Cup break, they are heavy favourites to reach the semi-final.

Charlton sealed their quarter-final place with a penalties win over Brighton just before Christmas. They have won their last two league games against Portsmouth and Lincoln, and a perfect performance could maintain their 100% record in 2023.

However, at the Theatre of Dreams, they might need a miracle. The mid-table League One side are heavy outsiders for this one. With Manchester United’s fantastic defensive record of late, we think they’ll win and keep a clean sheet to progress into the semi-final.

19:45 Tuesday

Bristol Rovers vs Plymouth – Plymouth to win

The Papa John’s EFL Trophy quarter-finals are upon us, and League One leaders Plymouth Argyle make the trip to Bristol Rovers.

Bristol Rovers thrashed MK Dons in the last round to reach the quarter-final, and have two wins in their last two. They face a tough challenge hosting the League One leaders, with their last encounter in the league ending in a 2-2 stalemate back in October.

They have already played each other this season in the EFL Trophy in the group stage, with Plymouth winning on penalties. Rovers had a tough start to life in League One, but they are in a good moment, currently sitting just outside the playoff spots in 8th.

A penalties win after a 3-3 draw with AFC Wimbledon secured a quarter-final spot for Argyle, who will want to keep their good form going and progress to the semi-final. They are unbeaten since their 2-0 defeat to Port Vale in early December, and have won four of their last five in the league.

Steven Schumacher has his Devon side ticking with some brilliant results over the course of the campaign, and a spot in the semi-finals in the EFL Trophy would show good progress for the Pilgrims.