EFL CUP TIPS: EXPECT GOALS AS PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS ENTER FRAY
The EFL Cup has reached the second round as the Premier League teams not in European competition make their bow.
There are interesting ties for Everton and Manchester United as they face lower league opposition, with the Red Devils in particular desperate to get their season up and running.
Below, we pick out our top three tips for Wednesday’s fixtures of the EFL Cup second round.
Tip 1 – Grimsby Town vs Manchester United BTTS @ 11/10
Grimsby Town haven’t played Manchester United since 1948, a 1-1 draw in the First Division.
The two clubs, it’s fair to say, have had contrasting fortunes in the 75 years since that meeting, though the Red Devils won’t exactly be relishing a Wednesday night trip to Blundell Park.
It’s been a tumultuous few years for the 2023 EFL Cup winners and they do have a history of League Cup slip-ups.
A 4-0 humiliation at Milton Keynes Dons in 2014, a quarter-final defeat to Bristol City in 2017 and losing to Southend in 2006 will all be on the minds of fans given their lacklustre start to this campaign.
They need a result here to kick off their season and, while they will likely progress, the 11/10 for both teams to score appeals.
Grimsby have scored in every league and cup game so far this season and it could continue in a memorable night in Lincolnshire.
Tip 2 – Everton to score over 3.5 goals vs Mansfield @ 11/4
The first cup tie at the Hill Dickinson Stadium represents a strong chance for Everton to advance.
A comfortable win at this stage of the competition last year against Doncaster Rovers saw the Toffees into round three; here they face a Mansfield side that has only been past this round once since 2005.
The Stags have made a decent start to their League One campaign but the gulf in class should show here.
Everton’s Jack Grealish looked back to his best in the win over Brighton and could spell trouble for the visitors if he plays in this one.
Mansfield have kept just one clean sheet in the league so far and shipped 73 goals last term. The 11/4 for the hosts to score over 3.5 goals has value.
Tip 3 – Fulham vs Bristol City draw (90 mins) @ 19/5
Bristol City started the season with a fine 4-1 win at Sheffield United and have drawn both Championship games since.
Fulham, meanwhile, have drawn both of their league games. Late equalisers against Brighton and Manchester United have shown the Cottagers' spirit, though they are yet to fully get into gear.
This could be a low-key fascinating one. The Robins haven’t lost any of the last four meetings and, while there is a gulf in division, they did make the play-off semi-finals last season.
At 19/5, the draw in 90 minutes here looks a smart play.
Gerhard Struber has made a good start to life at Ashton Gate – they’ll give their Premier League opponents a game.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
