TUESDAY:
WOLVES V LIVERPOOL
Wolves have made a decent start under Julen Lopetegui with their performances under him being much improved. They're looking tighter at the back and are arguably looking better in the final third. They might still miss a load of chances during games but they're scoring goals at a better rate under him than they were under the previous manager.
They were unlucky not to win the game at Anfield over a week ago as they had one or two decisions go against them. They put in an encouraging performance on the day and will be looking to do the same here. They'll believe that they can because of the way they played in the other game.
Liverpool got played off the park by Brighton at the weekend which was probably their worst performance of the season so far. There was no intensity in their play and were again all over the place defensively and in midfield.
Their midfield is arguably their biggest problem. The players in that department are not protecting the defence as well as they used to and they simply don't have enough energy. They used to press teams high up the pitch with the energy they had and that pressing game is officially gone because their midfield is ageing and can no longer put in the graft like they used to.
PREDICTION: 1-0
Wolves have knocked Liverpool out of this competition the last time these two sides have met and I can see them doing the same here. They have more energy in their side with the players they have and because of that I can see them edge this one.
WEDNESDAY:
LEEDS V CARDIFF
The substitutes are what changed the game for Leeds in the other game where they came from 2-0 down to bring this tie to a replay. Jesse Marsch should field a stronger team here as he won't want his side to go behind again like they did in the other game. He'll still make some changes but I don't think he should make too many.
They're in great form going into this one which is another reason why Jesse Marsch should name a strong team. He'll surely be looking to use this cup tie as a confidence booster so his side can kick-start their season with the club heading for another relegation scrap in the Premier League.
Cardiff were seconds away from causing an FA Cup upset in the other game only for them to concede a very late equaliser. The sending off of Joe Bagan didn't help as it gave Leeds a way back into the game but apart from that I thought their all round performance was encouraging and one they should've taken with them into the Championship.
Any chance of an upset here looks very unlikely as the Bluebirds sacked Mark Hudson at the weekend. I could understand why they made the decision as the club are struggling in the Championship but with this cup tie being their next game, I was quite surprised that they made the decision.
PREDICTION: 2-0
I think Leeds will win this one because they'll field a strong team and will have more than enough quality to win the game. Cardiff will show a reaction to the sacking of Mark Hudson but Jesse Marsch's side should have enough to see themselves through to the next round.
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