Capital One Cup last 16 draw: Chelsea face trip to Stoke

Premier League champions and Capital One Cup holders Chelsea face an away tie at Stoke City in the last 16 of this year’s competition. The Blues are 6/1 shots with Coral to make a successful defence of this trophy.

Jose Mourinho’s men playing the Potters at the Britannia is one of five fixtures between top-flight teams. Premier League leaders Manchester City, now 9/2 favourites (from 5/1) for the Capital One Cup, will play Crystal Palace having recently beaten them 1-0.

Southampton, who are clearly taking this cup seriously after hitting MK Dons for six in round three, host Second City derby victors Aston Villa after being cut from 20/1 to 14/1, while Everton take on Norwich City.

Merseyside rivals Liverpool needed a penalty shoot-out to get past League Two team Carlisle United, and their reward is another home tie with Bournemouth. Brendan Rodgers’ Reds have shortened slightly from 8/1 to 7/1 for cup glory.

Manchester United, meanwhile, were comfortable 3-0 winners against Ipswich Town and will have Championship opposition again in Middlesbrough, who bettered Wolves by the same scoreline.

Arsenal, who picked up a rare away victory at North London neighbours Tottenham, now travel to Sheffield Wednesday.

The Capital One Cup last 16 line-up is completed by Hull City against Premier League high-fliers Leicester City.

Chelsea easily coped without suspended star striker Diego Costa, thrashing League One outfit Walsall 4-1, with three of Coral’s touted replacements in Kenedy, Loic Remy and Pedro Rodriguez scoring at the Bescot.

Blues centre forward Costa began a three-match domestic ban as his spat with Arsenal centre backs Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista resulted in an FA charge of violent conduct.