Arsenal vs Tottenham is live on Sky Sports Football from 7.30pm on Wednesday
Wednesday 19 December 2018 08:17, UK
Sky Sports' Charlie Nicholas gives us his predictions for Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final ties, including Arsenal vs Tottenham and Chelsea vs Bournemouth.
It's a competition Arsene Wenger wasn't really too fussed about but get through this tie and Unai Emery has a fantastic opportunity of picking up a piece of silverware in his first season at the club.
I think Emery will play a few of the kids but there will be plenty of recognised names in alongside them. I expect the Gunners to include Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette but I would like to see Bukayo Saka get another go and Ainsley Maitland-Niles play in a more central position. The big issue though is centre-back where they are really struggling for numbers.
On the other hand, I'm not sure how Mauricio Pochettino will play this. The same can be said of him that he needs a trophy. The Spurs players need a trophy but are they prepared to put their neck on the line when they are going quite well in the league.
I see a few changes on either side but I expect them to both be at about 75 per cent. I can see this going all the way to be honest before the drama of a penalty shootout. However, I'll hang my hat on Arsenal.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-2 (11/1 with Sky Bet) - Arsenal to win on penalties (6/1 with Sky Bet)
It's a great opportunity for Bournemouth but normally Eddie Howe makes quite a few changes in these situations. If you look at it from the other side, Maurizio Sarri's never won anything so what an opportunity for him. After doing the hard bit and winning at Anfield in the last round, they have to take advantage of this situation.
I have a feeling Howe will make a few changes. Their league position is good at the moment but maybe Howe will think it might not be in a few weeks so that's why he'll freshen things up. For me, it's a Chelsea win. I don't think it will be overly comfortable, but they'll get there in the end.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 3-1 (10/1 with Sky Bet)
