THE STRIKER: previews Thursday’s Carabao Cup action with a recommended BETDAQ bet and extended match stats for the 7.45pm games between LINCOLN CITY v LIVERPOOL and MANCHESTER CITY v BOURNEMOUTH.

LINCOLN CITY V LIVERPOOL

7.45pm We kick off the last evening of Carabao Cup action and we start the preview with Lincoln City hosting Premier League Champions Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp has chosen to rest all of his main starting XI for this competition, and the FA Cup, in the past and with a packed fixture list it seems wise to assume he will do the same this evening. That being said, it should still be a straightforward win for Liverpool as Lincoln are only a mid-to-low League One side.

Liverpool should really outclass Lincoln, however in the Cup we might see some magic. From a betting point of view, it’s better to focus on reality rather than looking for magic however! With expected changes for Liverpool, I’m not keen to lump on them at 1.23 however they should get the job done. I can see Lincoln sitting back against a weakened Liverpool side and I’m surprised under 2.5 goals is as big as 2.58. With so many changes, it takes a while for teams to gel and I feel we will see a 1-0 or 2-0 Liverpool win with the goals coming in the second half. Unders is worth a small investment at the odds.

The Striker Says:
One point win Under 2.5 goals at 2.58 with BETDAQ Exchange.

You can view all markets here -> http://bit.ly/BDQLinLiv

MATCH STATS

  • This is the first competitive meeting between Liverpool and Lincoln since the 1960-61 season, when Liverpool won home and away against the Imps in Division Two.
  • This will be Lincoln’s second ever competitive meeting with a reigning top-flight champion – they lost 0-4 against Preston North End in the 1889-90 FA Cup.
  • Liverpool have progressed from 15 of their last 16 League Cup ties against sides from a lower division, with the exception being a shootout defeat to Northampton in the third round in 2010-11.
  • Liverpool have lost five of their last seven League Cup matches (W1 D1) and have shipped five goals in each of their last two games in the competition (5-5 v Arsenal, 0-5 v Aston Villa).
  • Lincoln are looking to reach the fourth round of the League Cup for just the second time, last doing so in 1967-68.

MANCHESTER CITY V BOURNEMOUTH

7.45pm It wasn’t so long ago that this was an all Premier League clash! Bournemouth are now a Championship side after losing out in the run in to Aston Villa. Their focus will be getting back to the Premier League as soon as possible, but they will more than likely play their best XI here. It’s highly unlikely that will we see the stars from Man City in action, although given their strength in depth we should still see a very strong side. They have a wealth of talent to choose from.

I really like the City win here at 1.52. I feel that price is at least ten ticks too big. I fully take on board that it can be tricky with starting XI’s in the League Cup – and indeed this has been reflected in the small stakes this week – however City’s second XI is basically a mid-table Premier League side. Probably even a Europa League side! And they will all be pushing to get into the starting XI too so will be out to impress. Bournemouth won’t be able to deal with City’s talent, even allowing for changes, and I am all over the 1.52 to finish the midweek Carabao Cup action.

The Striker Says:
Four points win Manchester City to beat Bournemouth at 1.52 with BETDAQ Exchange.

You can view all markets here -> http://bit.ly/BDQMciBne

MATCH STATS

  • Man City have won their last 10 meetings with Bournemouth, by an aggregate score of 30-5. All these games have been in the Premier League.
  • This is the first ever meeting in cup competition between Manchester City and Bournemouth.
  • Manchester City have won their last 15 League Cup ties, winning the competition in each of the last three seasons. Only Liverpool (25 between 1980-1984) and Nottingham Forest (17 between 1977-1980) have progressed from more consecutive ties in the competition.
  • This is just the second time Bournemouth have faced the holders of the League Cup, losing the other such match 0-3 against Arsenal in 1987-88.
  • Man City’s Raheem Sterling has been involved in 10 goals in his nine League Cup appearances against sides from a lower division (6 goals, 4 assists).

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