Capital One Cup Tips: Arsenal to maintain away form

Birmingham v Swansea, Wednesday 19:45, Match Odds: Birmingham 4.94/1, Swansea 1.845/6, The Draw 3.8514/5
Swansea begin their defence of the trophy at Championship strugglers Birmingham, who ended a six-game winless run by beating Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 at the weekend. That was the Blues' first home win in 90 minutes this season, and despite their busy recent schedule Swansea should make good on their favourites tag at St Andrews. The Swans have won their past three away trips - at West Brom, Valencia and Crystal Palace, without conceding, and kept a clean sheet in each of their last four matches in the League Cup as they claimed the trophy.

Recommended Bet: Back Swansea to win to nil @ 3.39/4

Newcastle v Leeds, Wednesday 19:45. Match Odds: Newcastle 1.748/11, Leeds 5.59/2, The Draw 4.03/1

Newcastle have a chance to bounce back from their 3-2 loss to Hull as an out-of-form Leeds visit St James' Park. Brian McDermott's side have lost three of their past four games, with a 1-0 win at Bolton, who are propping up the Championship table, the only time they have avoided defeat in that run. According to Opta, Newcastle have won six and lost just once in their past nine matches against Leeds, and should be able to see off the Whites comfortably in front of their own fans.

Recommended Bet: Back Newcastle to win @ 1.748/11

West Brom v Arsenal, Wednesday 20:00, Match Odds: West Brom 3.5551/20, Arsenal 2.186/5, The Draw 3.7511/4

Arsenal's 3-1 win over Stoke was their seventh successive victory in all competitions, and the Opta stats show that their record on the road is even better, with the Gunners winning their past ten away games. In six of those, they have led at both half and full-time, and that has been true in five of their six previous matches home and away this campaign. Arsenal have won five of their past six meetings with West Brom, including their two most recent trips to the Hawthorns, and with the Gunners in such fine fettle it is hard to see anything but another victory for Arsene Wenger's side.

Best Bet: Back Arsenal to be leading at half-time and full-time @ 3.412/5