EFL Cup Betting Preview and Tips
EFL Carabao Cup First Round. 14th August. Kick Off 19:30-20:00.
Who doesn’t love a little midweek acca?
Our Six team win acca is just below best priced at 12.49 with BetBright. A £10 stake returns £124.90.
- Forest
- Leeds
- Norwich
- Middlesborough
- Derby
- Bristol City
Nottingham Forest vs Bury
Forest opened the season with two draws but finally got their first win of the season against Reading. Their performances haven’t been overly convincing but there is some promise in their play. Karanka’s new style can look great at times, but they are struggling with converting the chances created. We think this game will be more of a confidence boost for many players and back a comfortable home win against Bury.
Bury were relegated last season but have started off okay. Just two goals scored in their last three games, and most recently losing 1-0 to MK Dons in a last-minute goal. In their first game, Yeovil were down to nine men from the 67th minute and Bury still couldn’t find another goal. The team is good enough for League Two but should be no match to a Forest squad with depth enough to beat them.
Leeds vs Bolton
Leeds has blown away promotion contenders in Stoke 3-1 and Derby 4-1 in their last two games. In both, Leeds attacked with devastating effect, wonderful creativity and clinical finishing. Bielsa has confirmed Bamford, Harrison, Jansson, Baker and Blackman could all be playing in tonight’s game as he is clearly taking the cup seriously.
Leeds should have more than enough to dispatch Bolton, even though they have been playing fairly well themselves. Considering the Bolton players went on strike during pre-season due to them not paying wages and bonuses for staying up. They have managed to get four points from their first two matches beating West Brom 2-1 away and drawing 2-2 to Bristol City.
Bolton’s key to success so far has been their finishing with an excellent strike to conversion rate. However, there are still question marks over their defensive abilities after letting that 2-0 lead slip against Bristol. With that frailty at the back, Leeds dynamic style should be more than enough to win this game. Especially with the depth in their squad as previously mentioned not having a game yet.
Norwich vs Stevenage
Norwich City are looking to secure their first victory of the new season. Last season they had a great run to the last 16 were they almost bested Arsenal in a stunning effort that went to extra time. Farke has shown that he take’s this tournament seriously and we expect a strong lineup to ensure they get their first victory in tonight.
Norwich’s scoring was an issue last season, but they are finding the net this time around. Being involved in a seven-goal thriller in the last match against West Brom. Which saw a missed penalty cost them a point. Plus the 2-2 opening game against Birmingham.
Defensively there have been some clear frailties for Norwich. But, we expect to see a much more assured performance from Norwich in what should be a standard home victory for the Canaries. Stevenage are two divisions below and are unlikely to cause a serious threat to Norwich. Maybe, the one goal but Norwich should be more than capable to ship past two or three in response.
Middlesbrough vs Notts County
Middlesbrough have had a decent start to their new campaign with two wins and a draw. Tony Pulis is a great manager and can deal with the fact of losing key players during the summer transfer window. There will be some squad rotation but the hosts should be more than enough to dismantle Notts County.
Notts County hasn’t had a great start to their campaign with two losses and one a 0-0 draw against Colchester. The hosts have the much stronger squad (even with rotation) and should be in for a comfortable home victory
Tony Pulis has confirmed he will start some youngsters in tonight’s game but it’s not actually a worry. They have the likes of highly rated Marcus Tavernier, Harry Chapman, Paddy Mcnair (who is recovering from a pre-season knock) and other talented players. They will rest key players but again, should have more than enough to see off a struggling Notts County.
Oldham vs Derby County
Again there is likely to be a squad rotation for Derby, but Lampard will be keen to impress in his first managerial League cup match. Lampard could use the highly rated Scott Malone, Duane Holes and League One Golden Boot winner Jack Marriot in tonight’s game.
Oldham are a team many thinks could get relegated this season and haven’t started particularly well. Their first match ended in a 2-1 defeat to MK Dons and then came from behind late in the game to get a draw against Forest Green Rovers. They are without a win in their last four games and haven’t won at home in seven matches in a row.
Derby’s first game was a solid last-minute winner away to Reading, but then got dominated by a very impressive Leeds team. We feel Lampard will want to get back to winning ways, and won’t take too many chances for this game. There is now a lot of depth in the team and we expect a solid performance from Derby to get the away win.
Bristol City vs Plymouth
Bristol had an incredible run in lasts years competition reaching the semi-final. They started their great campaign last season by beating Plymouth in the first round 5-0. Then a solid display beating Watford 3-2, Stoke 2-0. Crystal Palace 4-1 and finally Man United 2-1. Before losing to Man City 2-1 in the semis.
Plymouth will not want a repeat of last season though. They were playing a lot worse at the start of last season and were even in the relegation zone at Christmas before finally finishing in 7th. But, Plymouth are on three-game losing streak away from home and without a win in their last four matches. We expect Bristol City to kick off their season with a solid win at home.
Steven is the product manager on BettingLounge and is an experienced iGaming writer who has been working in the industry since 2018.
