As the League Cup returns with four midweek quarter-finals across Tuesday and Wednesday, in the midst of the festive calendar, Goal assess the chances of the African players still standing in the competition.
The outsiders of the field of eight, Stoke City are up against it when they host Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
The Potters aren’t in bad form—they’ve lost just one of their last seven—but can they capitalise on Spurs’ miserable week?
The hosts will have to do without John Obi Mikel, who will miss this one with injury.
Since losing Said Benrahma to West Ham United, Brentford haven’t had the same electric impact going forward.
Nonetheless, Franco-Cameroonian forward Bryan Mbeumo is really coming into his own as the campaign gathers pace.
The 21-year-old has had a hand in eight goals in 20 Championship outings so far this season, including a double against Reading in the Bees’ 3-1 victory at the weekend.
Can the Bees spring a surprise this week when they face Newcastle United?
The Magpies are unlikely to be dragged into a relegation battle this season, and may see the EFL Cup as an opportunity to win a rare piece of silverware.
Christian Atsu has been firmly out of Steve Bruce’s plans this season, and while there’s a chance he might be drafted back into the fold to prove his fitness to potential buyers—he has played 10 minutes in the cup already this season—don’t hold your breath.
More likely is that the winger moves on during the January transfer window without making a further appearance from the club. Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for the attacker.
The Gunners will be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when they host Manchester City, although the Gabon striker may not be missed too much, having endured a dire start to the season.
Thomas Partey’s absence will also continue as he continues with his recovery, although Mohamed Elneny could start in midfield alongside Dani Ceballos.
Nicolas Pepe should come into a rejigged starting line-up as Mikel Arteta looks to drag his side back to winning ways, but expect Eddie Nketiah to start on the bench.
Impressive in the Premier League so far this season, Everton will surely look to keep the momentum going with a strong performance at home against Manchester United.
Alex Iwobi has been returned to a more attacking role after previously filling in as a wing-back, and with James Rodriguez doubtful, he could well continue wide on the right against the Red Devils.
Allan’s injury represents a major loss for the Toffees, and the pressure will be on Abdoulaye Doucoure to forge a midfield partnership with Tom Davies.
Ivory Coast’s Jean-Philippe Gbamin remains absent as his injury nightmare at Goodison Park continues.
Once upon a time, Odion Ighalo was United’s go-to man in cup competitions, but even he may not get a look in here with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expected to plump for a strong team against the Toffees.
He’s behind both Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood in the pecking order, while Anthony Martial is another contender to lead the line, with Marcus Rashford cutting in from the left.
Eric Bailly is more likely to feature.
Serge Aurier had another moment to forget at the weekend, giving away a penalty as Tottenham Hotspur were defeated 2-0 by Leicester City in yet another Premier League setback.
The Ivory Coast right-back has enjoyed a renaissance under Jose Mourinho, winning over some of his doubters, but the knives are out yet again following another lapse.
“He doesn’t think,” Roy Keane chimed in, criticising the full-back after his error, “this lad doesn’t think.”
Expect Matt Doherty to replace Aurier in the starting line-up against Stoke City, while Japhet Tanganga is also out with injury.
Pep Guardiola has enjoyed success in this competition in the past, and will be hoping that Riyad Mahrez and co can inspire the Sky Blues to get their hands on the first silverware of the season.
The Algerian won the EFL Cup during his first season at the Etihad Stadium, and has come into some good form so far this term, having a hand in five goals in his 10 league games so far.
Guardiola will surely be hoping for more of a consistent output from the Algeria playmaker, who appears well placed to start against Arsenal.
Mahrez sat out the narrow 1-0 victory against Southampton, and should return to the starting XI.
Source: goal.com