The EFL Cup’s first round kicks off later today, bringing together clubs from across the English Football League in a feast of knockout action. With teams from the Championship, League One and League Two all vying to progress into the next round, fans can expect a day packed with drama, surprises and plenty of goals.
We break down a selection of these first round fixtures with some booking codes below – note all odds are time of writing and 90 minutes only:
Wrexham vs Hull City
Wrexham may have lost in heartbreaking fashion on the opening day of the Championship season – conceding two 90th minute goals to lose 2-1 to Southampton – but the Red Dragons will be encouraged by giving one of the league’s best sides such a stern test.
As they are now set for their first home game of the season, their fans are expected to create a superb atmosphere for this clash against a Hull City side that scraped a point against a dominant Coventry City in their Championship opener.
While we do expect Hull City to show their defensive strength in this clash, we do believe that Wrexham’s encouraging opening performance and their home advantage will help lead them to victory.
Wrexham to win, 2.40 – Book Here
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Northampton Town vs Southampton
League One Northampton Town have been given arguably the most difficult draw possible in the EFL Cup first round, as they face one of the favourites to earn promotion to the Premier League from the Championship in Southampton.
The Saints showed their quality as they came from behind to brilliantly beat Wrexham in extra-time in their opening league game, while the hosts have failed to win any of their opening two League One clashes with one draw and one loss.
Given Southampton’s undoubted superiority over their opponents, we expect a significant away victory with several goals scored.
Southampton & over 3.5 goals, 3.50 – Book Here
Plymouth Argyle vs QPR
Plymouth Argyle have had a disastrous start to their first year back in League One, losing each of their opening two matches against Barnsley (3-1) and Bolton Wanderers (2-0), and they will be fearful of a third consecutive loss as they face Championship QPR.
The visitors did draw their opening Championship match against Preston North End, but they have made several encouraging signings, such as Kwame Poku, and will be hoping these players can come together to help push them toward a playoff push this campaign.
As they are searching for their first win of the campaign, expect a strong side to be named by QPR, leading to an away win against a lower league, struggling opposition.
QPR to win, 2.63 – Book Here
Bromley vs Ipswich Town
Bromley have had a strong start to their League Two campaign, with one draw and one win, but they are largely expected to suffer their first defeat of the season when they take on Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup.
The Tractor Boys are one of the favourites to lift the Championship title this term, and after they were disappointing in their 1-1 draw with Birmingham City in the opening game of the season, they will be eager to rebound with a convincing win.
Given the major contrast in quality of squads, we expect Ipswich Town to control this match and ultimately secure a comfortable victory.
Ipswich Town to win by 2 goals, 3.65 – Book Here
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