The first domestic cup competition of the English season got underway last week, but the third round is where the competition really steps up a gear. The third round sees the teams that are competing in European competition enter the EFL Cup. Three teams that will be playing their first games in the EFL Cup this season will be playing on Wednesday and Thursday.
Leicester City vs Arsenal Odds
| Leicester City | +190 |
| Draw | +225 |
| Arsenal | +150 |
Two sides that will be competing in the Europa League this season will meet in the third round of the EFL Cup at the King Power Stadium. Both Leicester and Arsenal have started the new season excellently, as they have both won their two Premier League games played to date. That record means that the Foxes are the early leaders of the Premier League this term.
They have scored seven goals in their two games that have been played to date. Leicester started the season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly promoted West Bromwich Albion. Jamie Vardy scored a brace of penalties in that victory. The Foxes followed up that victory with a 4-2 success at home against Burnley in their last game. There were goals for Harvey Barnes, James Justin and Dennis Praet in that routine win. However, this will be a much sterner test for them.
The Gunners have been impressive so far this season, as they have won both their opening two Premier League games for the second season running. Arsenal beat Fulham on the opening day, with Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang getting on the scoresheet. That was followed up with a hard-fought London derby win over West Ham United. The winning goal was scored in the final moments of the match by Eddie Nketiah.
Arsenal were fortunate that they were still in the game in the final moments, as the Hammers dominated the chances and spurned numerous opportunities to take the three points themselves. However, it is a sign that the club are making progress under Mikel Arteta, as this was a fixture that would have gotten away from them last season. The Spaniard has installed a new mentality in this team, and he will be hoping that will steer them to the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Leicester City vs Arsenal Injury News
The Gunners have a number of injury concerns ahead of this game, as they will be without Kieran Tierney, Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel Martinelli. Calum Chambers will also be missing. Jonny Evans is a doubt for the Foxes, while Ricardo Pereira and Daniel Amartey are set for longer times on the side lines.
Leicester City vs Arsenal Pick
The EFL Cup is always a hard competition to predict as the big sides in the tournament make a number of changes to their starting elevens. Leicester will be hoping to go deep in a cup competition this season, but it’s likely that they will target the FA Cup instead. For that reason, Arsenal are the pick.
Pick: Arsenal at +150 with Bet365.
