The EFL Cup second round and UEFA Champions League play-off round second leg matches kicked off on Tuesday and are set to continue throughout today, giving teams a final chance to qualify for the Champions League and progress one step closer to a domestic trophy in the EFL Cup.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at a selection of these matches and pick out our top tips and booking codes: (all odds 90 minutes only & available at time of writing)
Slavia Prague vs Lille
Lille went into the first leg of this tie as the strong favourites to progress through to the Champions League league phase, and they certainly showed their dominance as they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners, holding 62% of the ball and taking 16 shots to Slavia Prague’s 10.
While Slavia Prague will hold the home advantage in the second leg, something they will be hoping can help get them back into the tie, with Lille already showing their superiority against Slavia Prague, we expect the French side to win again here.
Lille to win, 2.93
Crvena Zvezda vs Bodoe/Glimt
Bodoe/Glimt narrowly won the first leg of this tie 2-1, initially going 2-0 up with goals from Odin Bjortuft and Isak Maatta before Ognjen Mimovic pulled one back with 15 minutes to go.
Crvena Zvezda may be trailing by a single goal heading into the second leg, but they will hold the home advantage, where they have not lost in 15 matches since a 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in the group stage of last year’s Champions League.
However, with Crvena Zvezda needing to put an emphasis on the attack to get back into the tie, we expect Bodoe/Glimt to have plenty of chances on the counter and ultimately secure the win.
Bodoe/Glimt to win, 3.40
West Ham vs Bournemouth
West Ham have started strongly under new boss Julen Lopetegui this season as despite winning one and losing one, they have shown strong performances in defence and attack in both matches.
As for Bournemouth, they have drawn each of their opening two matches with 1-1 draws, coming from behind to equalise against Nottingham Forest on the opening day before being drawn level against Newcastle United after initially taking the lead.
While Bournemouth were particularly impressive against Newcastle, West Ham have looked strong in both matches, especially their home match against Aston Villa where, despite losing, they created 2.46xG to Villa’s 2.03, suggesting the hosts will win this one. Add to that too the fact new signings Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville will be hungry to start and impress.
West Ham to win by 1 goal, 3.60
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest have had a positive start to the 2024/25 English Premier League season, recording one draw and one win in their opening two matches, including an especially impressive performance against Southampton in their most recent outing.
Newcastle have similarly drawn one and won one of their opening two matches, though their performances have been far from promising. They were dominated on the opening day by Southampton, holding just 22% of the ball and taking three shots to the Saints’ 19, but managed to grab a lucky winner, before having to claw back into the game against Bournemouth in the second half after a dismal first 45 minutes.
With Newcastle showing plenty of vulnerability in their opening two matches, while Nottingham Forest will be full of confidence after two strong outings, we believe the hosts will win tonight.
Nottingham Forest to win, 3.25
Best Booking Codes:
Big odds @119.98 – 6YVRQQD
EFL Cup – 6YVRTJ9
UCL – 6YVRJGR
1 Comment
by Adewale
That’s is a good game