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Guidolin backed to be first top-flight casualty

SWANSEA were knocked out of the League Cup by Manchester City on Wednesday and under-pressure manager Francesco Guidolin is the new favourite in the Premier League sack race.

Guidolin is said to be fighting for his Liberty Stadium future as Swansea prepare to face City again in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Italian has been backed down to 6-4 to be the first manager out, while former market leader Mark Hughes drifted to 2-1 even after his Stoke side exited the cup to Hull.

Manchester United, who will host neighbours City in the fourth round, take on Leicester in the Premier League at Old Trafford with all eyes on the teamsheet to see whether Wayne Rooney will be selected.

Rooney, who has started all five of United’s league matches this term and was up front for Wednesday’s 3-1 League Cup win at Northampton, is 11-10 with bet365 to start at least 25 top-flight fixtures this term.

Jose Mourinho is 4-6 to select Rooney for no more than 24 league matches this term, while United are 1-2 with bet365 not to win a trophy this term with City waiting in the next round.

There are more intriguing League Cup fourth-round ties as Tottenham head to Liverpool while West Ham host Chelsea, and Arsenal, who face second-tier Reading, have been promoted to 5-1 favourites.

League Cup – fourth-round draw: West Ham v Chelsea, Manchester United v Manchester City, Arsenal v Reading, Liverpool v Tottenham, Bristol City v Hull, Leeds v Norwich, Newcastle v Preston, Southampton v Sunderland. Ties to be played week beginning October 24.

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