MANCHESTER UNITED have hit top gear under Erik ten Hag and should make it eight wins in a row when League One Charlton Athletic head to Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
Charlton defied the odds by beating Brighton on penalties in the last round but there hasn't been much else to cheer at the Valley this season.
Ben Garner was sacked in the run-up to Christmas after the Addicks crashed out of the FA Cup to Stockport following a string of poor results in League One.
New manager Dean Holden has made an early impact, losing just once in five games, but this Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United is a massive step up in class.
The Red Devils kept their sizzling run of form going by beating Everton 3-1 in the FA Cup on Friday night as two of my three recommended bets came up.
The Toffees gave them a good game but Man United had too much firepower, with Marcus Rashford turning in another man-of-the-match performance.
Ten Hag has turned things around remarkably quickly at Old Trafford and the acid test will come at the weekend when Manchester City come calling.
He might be tempted to give a few big hitters the night off when Charlton come calling but has generally fielded strong sides in all the cup competitions.
How the bookies view it
Charlton Athletic are rank outsiders, with the Addicks 12/1 (Paddy Power) to qualify and 22/1 (SBK) for a win inside 90 minutes. Manchester United's best price to reach the semis is just 1/14 (VBet) while the odds increase a little to 1/8 (Bet365) if you back them to win without extra-time or penalties. The draw at 90 minutes pays 9/1 with Bet365.
Head to head
These sides haven't faced off since Charlton were relegated from the Premier League back in 2007. The Addicks had a dreadful record against Manchester United in the top flight and their last victory in this fixture came way back in 1989. In the 18 games since then, the best Charlton have managed is a couple of draws.
Players to watch
I've a feeling ten Hag might give Rashford and other big hitters a breather for this one. Young winger Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench against Everton and could start against Charlton. He's 15/8 with Bet365 for anytime scorer and that looks decent value.
Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has caught the eye for Charlton, netting six times this season. The youngster is 7/1 at Unibet for a dream goal at Old Trafford.
Anything else catch the eye?
Charlton defended deep as they frustrated Brighton and I'd expect a similar game plan at Old Trafford. It could pay to back corners, given the Seagulls won 10-3 on that count and I like the 20/21 on offer at Bet365 for United -4 in the corner handicap. Over 10.5 corners is also evens with 888Sport.
With ten Hag's side likely to dominate possession, I don't think they will need to fly into many challenges. Betting against both sides picking up a card pays 6/5 with Bet365 and that looks worth a punt.
This EFL Cup match between Manchester United and Charlton Athletic will be played on Jan 10, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Charlton Athletic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
