Right now, it is pretty obvious to most people that watch, and wager, on the Premier League that the table is broken down into tiers of teams.
This happens many seasons, but it is even more pronounced in 2021. The big four teams—Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United—are in a private league of their own. Next is West Ham United, Leicester City, Everton, Tottenham, and maybe Arsenal, and you might be able to add Brighton & Hove Albion to that mix.
What is the primary difference between those top four teams and the ones in the next tier?
Squad depth.
It is no coincidence that Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City have won so many trophies over the last few seasons, and the reason Manchester United is finally heading back to the top: they all have deep benches to compete for the F.A. Cup, the Carabao Cup, and the European Cup, as well as staying in the Premier League top four.
Today, Chelsea and Manchester United each play Premier League opposition, and all four teams are going to rotate.
I am going to roll with the two deepest teams to play today, and hope the fringe players/back ups/young kids get it done.
Check Fubo.TV, Paramount+, and ESPN+ for TV schedules
ENGLAND EFL CARABAO CUP THIRD ROUND
(All games 2:45 p.m. EDT on ESPN+)
Chelsea (-265) v Aston Villa (+700), draw (+380)
Manchester United (-180) v West Ham United (+510), draw (+290)
THE PICKS:
Manchester United -1 AH (+105)
Chelsea -1.25 AH (-110)
BONUS PLAYS—PLAY SMALL TO WIN BIG
Edison Cavani to score—BET IF HE STARTS (+130)
Jesse Lingard to score—BET IF HE STARTS (+300)
Manchester United over 2.5 goals (+195)
Chelsea over 2.5 goals (+170)