EFL Cup First Round Betting Tips: Five selections from across the round for Matthew O'Regan

The return of the EFL on Saturday was a welcome sight for many and did not disappoint. The games are coming thick and fast now, with a full slate of EFL cup action to contend with midweek. This EFL Cup tipsheet delves into five games and gives the best bets. 

Colchester vs Reading

Tuesday August 13
Kick Off: 19:45
Live on Sky Sports +

Colchester were involved in one of the most entertaining games on the opening weekend. After going 0-2 up against AFC Wimbledon after nine minutes thanks to a brace from centre-back Ben Goodliffe, Danny Cowley’s side collapsed spectacularly, eventually losing 4-2. 

Reading faced the daunting task of travelling to heavy league favourites Birmingham. Based on off-the-field antics alone it was a huge mismatch. Birmingham are bankrolled by a wealthy American that has allowed Chris Davies to spend over £15 million already this window, while Reading have a gluttonous owner in Dai Yonge who is determined to asset strip. The Royals are still the only EFL club to not make a single summer signing. 

Still, they battled to a 1-1 draw in an energetic, high-octane style, with Birmingham struggling with the high press deployed by Ruben Selles. 

Due to the shambolic ownership of the club, Reading had to rely on a number of youth players to fill the match-day squad. The performance and result against the clear favourites in the league would have encouraged Selles greatly. With Wigan, Wrexham, Charlton and Stockport County in the four next league games, the Spaniard may feel like these games will be an indication of whether or not his side can challenge up the league. With this in mind, I can see Reading rotating their thread-bare squad – something Colchester will look to capitalise on. 

Prediction: Colchester Draw No Bet @ 2.32

Watford vs MK Dons

Tuesday August 13
Kick Off: 19:45
Live on Sky Sports +

Watford opened up their Championship campaign in dramatic fashion. After going into a 2-0 lead at Millwall, Tom Cleverley’s side conceded two late goals and the spoils looked to be shared until Mileta Rajovic scored a 90th-minute winner to send the Hornets home with three points. 

While the win was the most important thing, there were things to worry about for Watford. Their opening two goals came direct from a corner, courtesy of Edo Kayembe before Giorgi Chakvetadze put them two up from a 30-yard free kick. Once the Hornets took the lead, they sat back and looked to soak up the pressure- a tactic that didn’t work with the hosts scoring twice. 

The Watford side is also one that needs major investment – something they haven’t been given yet. With Cleverley up against it in his battle to stay in the Championship, he may see a home game against an MK Dons side two divisions below as the perfect time to rotate and perhaps make a statement to the board about the state of his current team. 

Despite starting the season as league favourites, MK Dons found themselves 2 goals down after five minutes against Bradford. Despite dominating for the rest of the game, Mike Williamson’s side were unable to overturn the deficit, with Alex Gilbey’s 20th-minute strike their only goal. 

However, both Bantams’ goals came out of the blue, with Alexander Pattinson scoring a rocket from outside the area before Sam Sherring scored a freak own goal. Aside from this, MK were in control of the game. 

Now under the ownership of the ambitious Fahad Al Ghanim, Williamson will want to impress. There has been talk of more investment in the playing squad, so a strong performance against Championship opposition will boost Williamson’s chances of improving his squad. 

Prediction: Mk Dons +1 Asian Handicap @ 1.80

Sheffield United vs Wrexham

Tuesday August 13
Kick Off: 20:00
Live on Sky Sports

The first of the main TV games sees recently relegated Sheffield United host Hollywood bankrolled Wrexham at Bramall Lane. 

The Blades opened their account for the season with a professional 0-2 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale. Chris Wilder’s side looked strong throughout and sent a message to the rest of the league that they are ready for an instant return to the Premier League. 

Wrexham also opened their League One campaign with a win. Phil Parkinson’s side scraped past Wycombe 3-2 as they chase a third successive promotion. 

The two teams have met recently, with the two teams pitted against each other in the FA Cup two seasons ago. The Blades travelled to the Racecourse to face then National League side Wrexham. The game ended 3-3 before Sheffield United dispatched the Welsh side at Bramall Lane 3-1.

However, both games were marred with controversy, with Daniel Jebbison sent off in the opener. Billy Sharp was not happy with the behaviour of all those associated with Wrexham and let his feelings be known. This led to a feisty replay. 

The bad blood has not disappeared and another high-tempo game is expected. Overseeing the match is the card-happy Keith Stroud. Last season, Stroud averaged over 5.2 cards per game. Wrexham are a team full of aggressive players such as James Mclean and George Dobson, with the latter, booked on Saturday. 

With a card-happy referee and Wrexham desperate to make a statement, we should see plenty of cards brandished on Tuesday. 

Prediction: Wrexham over 1.5 cards @ 1.85

Plymouth vs Cheltenham 

Wednesday August 14
Kick Off: 19:45
Live on Sky Sports +

Much has been made of Plymouth Argyle this summer. After a disastrous short stint in charge, Ian Foster was sacked as manager at the back end of last season. His replacement was Wayne Rooney, despite the 38-year-old winning just two of his 15 games in charge of Birmingham last season. 

This pessimism heading into the season was proven right, with the Pilgrims routinely thumped 4-0 by Sheffield Wednesday in a disastrous opening day. 

Cheltenham started the season with a topsy-turvy 3-2 win over relegation candidates Newport County. They face a journey south to face Plymouth, knowing a big performance is needed if they are to overcome the side two leagues above them.

Despite the negativity surrounding the Pilgrims and their shambolic opening performance, they are still a force to be reckoned with at home. Plymouth’s form at Home Park last season kept them in the division, with 35 points from 23 games ranking them in the top half in this metric. Rooney will be desperate for his first win to lift a huge weight off his shoulders, so expect a strong Plymouth lineup and performance to match. 

Prediction: Plymouth win @ 1.71

Leeds vs Middlesbrough

Wednesday August 14
Kick Off: 20:00
Live on Sky Sports

Leeds went into their opener with recently promoted Portsmouth as heavy favourites. However, the away side went into the break 2-1 up, eventually holding out for a 3-3 draw. The Whites may feel hard done by, having dominated throughout – winning the xG count 3.39 – 0.94.

Last year, Leeds scraped past Shrewsbury in the first round, with Daniel Farke favouring a rotated side. If this is the case again on Wednesday, Middlesbrough may fancy their chances of victory. 

Michael Carrick’s side made it to the EFL Cup semi-finals last year and it would not be a surprise if he opted for a strong side this year. If that is the case, Emmanuel Latte Lath could be in for another start. 

The 25-year-old scored in Boro’s opening-day win over Swansea, making it nine goals from his last seven starts. Latte Lath scored an average of 0.69 goals per 90 last year, including a brace against Leeds. His price represents real value if he is to start.

Prediction: Emmanuel Latte Lath to score @ 3.75

Recommended Bets

Back Colchester draw no bet vs Reading @ 2.32
Back MK Dons +1 Asian Handicap vs Watford @ 1.80
Back Wrexham to get over 1.5 cards vs Sheffield United @ 1.85
Back Plymouth to beat Cheltenham @ 1.71
Back Emmanuel Latte Lath to score for Middlesbrough vs Leeds @ 3.75