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Stoke to dump Chelsea out of Capital One Cup? Charlie Nicholas makes his predictions

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Image: Arsenal travel to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday

Charlie Nicholas has made his predictions for Tuesday's Capital One Cup matches, backing another win for Arsenal and more misery for Chelsea.

The Sky Sports pundit was in hot form last week, predicting all four correct results for English sides in the Champions League, including an odds-defying Gunners win over Bayern Munich.

Here's what he fancies for the final 16 of the Capital One Cup...

Sheffield Wednesday v Arsenal (live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm, or watch without a contract on NOW TV)

I think this will be a good footballing game because Sheffield Wednesday, under their new manager Carlos Carvalhal, have been going absolutely brilliantly, with another good win at the weekend at Rotherham.

However, what Arsenal have got to pick from is still a very experienced group, with Mathieu Flamini, who scored twice against Spurs, and Mikel Arteta in midfield, then Per Mertesacker to come back. I have a feeling Arsene Wenger might rest both Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud so I think Joel Campbell might get the chance to start.

Momentum means a lot at a club and Arsenal have got that at the moment, so while Arsene might rest quite a few, they will still come through this.

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Charlie predicts: 1-3 (11/1 with Sky Bet)

Charlie predicts...
Charlie predicts...

After landing a 70/1 winner last week, follow Charlie's Sheff Wed v Arsenal 35/1 scorecast here.

Everton v Norwich

I think we'll get a few rested here with Norwich, in particular, playing a weaker team. The penny must have dropped that they've got to do a lot more and they can't defend right now, so the priority must be the league.

As for Everton, I thought they were well beat for long spells at the Emirates and they haven't got a great squad despite what some people suggest, and if they have a few more joining Phil Jagielka on the sidelines then they could be in trouble.

However, Roberto Martinez will be keen to get them back on the front foot after some tough defeats so I expect them to progress.

Charlie predicts: 2-0 (8/1 with Sky Bet)

Hull v Leicester

Claudio Ranieri of Leicester City talks with Jamie Vardy
Image: Jamie Vardy is set to be rested after scoring 10 times this season

We know hot-to-trot Jamie Vardy is going to be rested while Hull, who were my pick to come straight back up, are starting to score a few goals. This belief that they've got at the back is pretty strong with Allan McGregor in good form in goal.

You look at their group and who have they lost of any substance? Robbie Brady? He's a left wing-back. They've not lost anything dramatic. They've also got Abel Hernandez in good scoring form, with seven this season.

With Leicester's defensive vulnerabilities and changes, I'm going for Hull to win this one. 

Charlie predicts: 2-1 (17/2 with Sky Bet)

Stoke v Chelsea

What the hell is going on with this 'Blue Machine' which we all recognised before? Mark Hughes will be thinking this is a good time to play Chelsea, especially at home. Should he rest too many when they haven't been playing too well anyway?

I did Stoke at the weekend and in all honesty they were poor and I thought they were poor on Monday Night Football as well, when they beat Swansea 1-0. I just think their passing has gone right off the boil.

I wouldn't be surprised if this was a score draw then potentially Stoke to win in extra-time or on the flip of a coin which is penalties.

Charlie predicts: 1-1 and Stoke to win in extra-time (20/1 with Sky Bet)

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