Wolves vs. Burnley (Wednesday, 7.30pm)
Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to host Burnley at Molineux on Wednesday evening in the second round of the EFL Cup, still seeking their first win of the 2024-25 season.
The hosts have lost both of their opening two matches to the new Premier League campaign, while the visitors have won two and lost one of their first three Championship fixtures.
We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Burnley
Wolves have a much stronger squad than their opponents due to Burnley losing 16 players so far in the transfer window, suggesting the hosts will win this one.
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Swansea vs. Wycombe (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
Wycombe Wanderers make the trip across the Welsh border to face Swansea City in the second round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
In a rare meeting between the two sides, both will look to improve on underwhelming performances in this competition in recent seasons.
We say: Swansea City 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers
While changes are likely for the hosts, a strong bench gives them the chance to rotate effectively in the cup competitions, and that could see them into the third round here.
Being a division below their hosts, Wycombe are understandably the underdogs, but they should make a good fist of it, even if that does still result in elimination.
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AFC Wimbledon vs. Ipswich (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
Premier League new boys Ipswich Town make the trip to the capital to face AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup second round on Wednesday.
These two clubs shared the same division as recently as 2022, but are now three leagues apart, thanks largely to Ipswich's meteoric rise.
We say: AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Ipswich Town
While it has been a tough start at the top table for Ipswich, League Two opposition should give them the opportunity to get their season off and running, even if McKenna opts to change some personnel.
Wimbledon have made a strong start, but they were no match for Ipswich in the FA Cup in January, and an even stronger squad could cause them more problems here.
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West Ham vs. Bournemouth (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
Premier League outfits West Ham United and Bournemouth face off at the London Stadium for a second round EFL Cup tie on Wednesday.
Both clubs sit in mid-table after promising starts to the new season, despite major outgoings for the two over the summer.
We say: West Ham United 2-1 Bournemouth
After Moyes's cup exploits, an exit this early from a cup competition would not go down too well, despite the strong opponents in front of West Ham here.
With plenty of match winners in the squad and home advantage though, the Hammers will be slight favourites, but Iraola's Bournemouth do not make it easy for any side.
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Cardiff vs. Southampton (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
Southampton will travel to South Wales to face Cardiff City on Wednesday in the second round of the EFL Cup, still seeking their first win of the season.
The hosts beat Bristol Rovers 2-0 to progress into the second round, while this match will be the first EFL Cup fixture for the visitors this term.
We say: Cardiff City 0-2 Southampton
Cardiff have been vulnerable in defence so far this season, conceding eight in four matches, while the hosts have shown signs of promise in attack, and we expect the visitors to finally find their goalscoring form and take the victory here.
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Colchester vs. Brentford (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
Colchester United will take on Brentford at the JobServe Community Stadium on Wednesday evening in the second round of the 2024-25 EFL Cup.
The hosts narrowly overcame Reading 4-3 on penalties in the first round of the competition, while this will be the visitors' first EFL Cup match of the season.
We say: Colchester United 0-2 Brentford
The visitors will be strong favourites for a victory owing to them competing in the top division of English football while the hosts are in the fourth division, suggesting a comfortable win for Brentford.
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Nott'm Forest vs. Newcastle (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
Nottingham Forest welcome Newcastle United to the City Ground for an all-Premier League clash in the second round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
Both have made strong starts in the league with four points apiece after two games, and the two will look to repeat the long runs they had in this competition during the 2022-23 season.
We say: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Newcastle United
Fewer first team and squad players available may force Howe to field a strong Newcastle side here, and that could be to their advantage as they look to avenge Forest for those two second round cup defeats in the late 2010s.
The hosts have made a good start in the league, but they will certainly face a sterner test here than the one offered to them by Southampton at the weekend.
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