Wolves to advance to EFL Cup semi-finals
Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers will duke it out for a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals at the City Ground on Wednesday night. Having already seen Manchester United and Newcastle United, both sides will know, barring a massive shock in the other quarter final taking place, they'll be firm underdogs to win over two legs. Nevertheless, they'll be much closer to winning a domestic trophy, something neither club has done for quite some time. Read our preview here:
Up all night to get Lodi
Prior to the World Cup break, it appeared as though manager Steve Cooper had finally been able to corral his bloated squad into a shape that could compete in the Premier League. However, since the resumption of the top division, they have largely reverted back to type, the fortuitous win over relegation rivals Southampton excepted and a meek surrender at Blackpool on Saturday plunging the mood even lower. Cooper has half a dozen members out for their cup clash where attack might be the best form of defence, given the visitors' own profligacy in front of goal. On the left, Renan Lodi has a chance to nail down the full-back berth with some roving forwards and assurance when possession is lost, whilst striker Sam Surridge has blossomed in the cup.
Now or Neves
Julen Lopetegui can feel aggrieved that his charges didn't beat Liverpool in the FA Cup at the weekend, which is a testament to the progress they've made since his appointment, regardless of the number of changes the Reds made to their lineup. Daniel Podence is a doubt after picking up a knock in that encounter, but there are no other fresh concerns in addition to three long-term absentees. The visitors will attempt to control the tempo with a two-man central midfield, with Rúben Neves being the lynchpin as ever. Raúl Jiménez will continue his return to full fitness by being named from the outset in the front pairing.
Betting tip
Parimatch have odds of 2.62 for the team in old gold to grab a win in 90 minutes and continue their resurgence under Lopetegui.
