Capital One Cup: Chelsea, Palace and Southampton star in midweek melees

Lucky punters get an extra serving of football this midweek, in the Capital One Cup third round, with Premier League trio Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Southampton all involved in intriguing action.

Jose Mourinho’s Blues do battle with League One Walsall, while Crystal Palace face local London rivals Charlton Atheltic and Saints square-up to Milton Keyens men MK Dons.

With so many brilliant bets on offer from these encounters, Coral experts preview this trio of top league cup dust-ups…

Walsall v Chelsea

Mourinho has confirmed second-string striker Radamel Falcao (10/3 to fire home first) and out-of-favour skipper John Terry will both start against West Midlands men Walsall, though the Blues back-up boys are still 2/5 favourites to see off the Saddlers in 90 minutes.

Exciting England Under-21 prospect Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 11/2 in the anytime market, should be among the young-guns to get a run-out after his last impressive outing, while Brazilian whizz Kenedy could also be handed a chance to shine.

Despite being high-fliers in League One, Walsall are best value to frustrate their glamorous west London foes with a draw, which is priced at 15/4, while former Chelsea youth forward Milan Lalkovic is 14/1 to fire home first, or 11/2 anytime, against his former employers.

Crystal Palace v Charlton Athletic

Capital clubs Palace and Charlton should make for a close clash, though the Eagles completed a league double against the Addicks when these two teams last tussled in the Championship, so will fancy their chances at 8/13 for victory.

Dangerman Dwight Gayle bagged a brace against Charlton back in 2013 and is 5/1 to equal or better that if given the nod. Meanwhile, Chelsea-owned striker Patrick Bamford poached an opener against the Addicks in his prolific previous season for Middlesbrough, and is a fantastic 4/1 to do the same for his new loan side here.

The visitors have not tasted success in any of their past four outings, so Alan Pardew’s plucky Palace are also enticing at 2/1 to smash three or more past his old club.

MK Dons v Southampton

Hosts MK Dons memorably thrashed Manchester United 4-0 in this cup competitions last campaign but, after four consecutive league losses, do not look good value at 7/2 to claim another famous scalp.

Southampton, meanwhile, showed some slick attacking intent in their own previous outing against the Red Devils, and will be hungry to make amends after letting their lead slip. The Saints are 11/4 to nab three or more, with Juanmi, Shane Long (5/1 to draw first blood) and Jay Rodriguez all seeking game time.

Betting tip: Back Southampton at 11/4 to punish the Dons by three or more