Cardiff City v Bristol Rovers
There will be a bit of local pride at stake in the Severnside Derby. Cardiff go into the game as favourites, and I think they should be good enough to get the job done, though they did lose at the weekend to Sunderland. The Blues did actually beat The Gas 2-0 in a pre-season friendly, and they are a league above them in the Championship, so they should have too much for them. Furthermore, Bristol Rovers have a terrible record in the EFL Cup, and they’ve not been past the first round since the 2019/20 season. I suspect their bad run will continue tonight.
Verdict: Cardiff Win (17/20)
Fleetwood Town v West Brom
West Brom got their season off to a great start at the weekend after they beat QPR 3-1. Though they will probably rotate their squad, they should have too much quality for Fleetwood, who are currently in League Two. The Cod Army don’t have the best record in this competition, only progressing once to the second round in the past three seasons. I predict a comfortable night for The Baggies.
Verdict: West Brom (4/5)
Huddersfield Town v Morecambe FC
If you read my EFL preview, then you’ll know that I fancy Huddersfield to go back up. The Terriers got off to the perfect start, beating promotion rivals Peterborough 2-0 last weekend. Tonight they entertain Morecambe, who lost to Walsall on Saturday, and they find themselves towards the bottom of League Two. I think they’ll come up short against much better opposition, and I can see them getting knocked out.
Verdict: Huddersfield Town (4/9)
Oxford United v Peterborough
I’m surprised Oxford aren’t odds on, as I think they will have the measure of Peterborough United. Last season Oxford beat the Posh twice, winning 5-0 at the Kassam Stadium and beating them again in the League One play-off semi-finals. The U’s got off to a great start beating Norwich City 2-0 last weekend, and I can see them getting another home win here.
Verdict: Oxford United (5/4)