Blackburn vs. Hartlepool (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
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Blackburn Rovers play host to Hartlepool United in the EFL Cup first round looking to build on their perfect start to the new season.
While Rovers sit at the top of the Championship standings, Hartlepool find themselves down in 20th spot in League Two after failing to win either of their opening two matches.
We say: Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Hartlepool United
With Tomasson almost certainly making widespread changes to his Rovers side, Hartlepool will feel like the door is slightly ajar when it comes to causing a surprise. However, the home team should still have too much quality in their ranks to earn a relatively comfortable victory.
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Sheff Weds vs. Sunderland (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
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Sunderland head into their EFL Cup first round tie with Sunderland having put together an unbeaten start on their return to the Championship.
Meanwhile, Wednesday, who lost to the Black Cats in last season's League One playoff semi-finals, have also collected four points from their opening two fixtures in the third tier.
We say: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Sunderland
Despite the difference in leagues, we would go as far as saying that these two teams are relatively evenly-matched. With both also in form, it should make for an entertaining spectacle, one that we feel Sunderland will win by the odd goal in three.
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Middlesbrough vs. Barnsley (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
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Championship outfit Middlesbrough will welcome League One side Barnsley to the Riverside Stadium for their first-round clash in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
The hosts are still seeking their first victory of the new campaign, while the visitors claimed all three points in their most recent league clash against Cheltenham Town.
We say: Middlesbrough 2-1 Barnsley
Middlesbrough are yet to set the word alight in the Championship but will be hoping for more joy in the EFL Cup against third-tier opposition this weekend.
Barnsley will fancy their chances of causing an upset, but we can see the hosts coming out on top with a slender victory to open their account for the new season.
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Port Vale vs. Rotherham (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
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With the EFL Cup kicking off for the new campaign, Port Vale will welcome Rotherham United to Vale Park for a first-round tie on Wednesday.
The two teams met in the second round of the same tournament last season, with Wednesday's visitors eventually prevailing on their way to winning the trophy.
We say: Port Vale 1-2 Rotherham United
Rotherham United may rest some key players and a trip to Vale Park should pose a tough test, but we ultimately see Warne's side coming through the challenge and progressing to the second round.
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Coventry vs. Bristol City (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
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Coventry City hope to play host to Bristol City in the EFL Cup first round on Wednesday evening after Sunday's home fixture with Rotherham United was postponed due to the poor condition of their pitch.
Meanwhile, Bristol City make the trip to the Ricoh Arena on the back of successive defeats in the Championship.
We say: Coventry City 2-1 Bristol City
Playing one less fixture at this stage of the season may prove to be detrimental in terms of match fitness. Nevertheless, that will only mean that Coventry are more likely to field a stronger side, leading us to predict a Sky Blues success by the odd goal in three.
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Plymouth vs. Peterborough (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
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League One duo Plymouth Argyle and Peterborough United will lock horns at Home Park for a first-round clash in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
The victors of this cup contest will be in high spirits ahead of another encounter next weekend when the two sides face off in the third tier.
We say: Plymouth Argyle 2-2 Peterborough United (Plymouth Argyle to win on penalties)
A closely-fought contest is set to be played out between two strong third-tier teams who will both fancy their chances of progressing to the next round.
With little to separate these two sides, they may be forced to settle the tie on penalties and we feel that Plymouth may edge through in front of their home crowd.
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Ben Knapton
