Handed a kind draw to begin the competition, Al Hain-Cole is backing Guardiola's holders to extend their recent dominance of this tournament
Having lifted the EFL Cup for the third time in five years last season, Manchester City should fancy their chances of retaining it this campaign.
Handed a kind third round draw away to an Oxford United side currently struggling near the bottom of League One, Pep Guardiola’s men look well worth the 4/1 (5.00) favourites tag with SportPesa to go all the way.
The holders look an even better bet considering one of Chelsea or Liverpool will be exiting the competition in the upcoming round, having been drawn together in a high profile tie at Anfield.
As the two other Premier League teams yet to taste defeat so far this season, whoever comes out on top out of the Blues and Jurgen Klopp’s men are likely to be priced at far narrower odds than their current 7/1 (8.00).
Meanwhile, Manchester United look set to go deep into the competition after being drawn at home to Championship Derby County, and are on offer at 6/1 (7.00) to reclaim the trophy they last won two seasons ago.
Still looking for his first piece of silverware as Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino can be backed at 7/1 (8.00) to bring this trophy back to White Hart Lane for the first time since 2008.
However, while Spurs face a difficult ‘home’ tie in Milton Keynes against a strong Watford team, their North London rivals will begin their tournament by entertaining Brentford.
With this in mind, Unai Emery looks like better value at those same 7/1 (8.00) odds to crown his first season in charge with a cup win in this competition.
Beyond the Premier League’s big six, Everton are ranked ‘best of the rest’ at 18/1 (19.00) after some hefty recent investment and the appointment of Marco Silva.
While Leicester City are priced at 22/1 (23.00) to upset the big boys once again, their third round hosts Wolves may offer better value as 28/1 (29.00) dark horses following some impressive displays against high profile opposition.