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Wednesday's EFL Cup predictions including Blackpool vs. Middlesbrough

Sports Mole provides score predictions for all of Wednesday's EFL Cup fixtures, including Blackpool vs. Middlesbrough.


Blackpool vs. Middlesbrough (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock acknowledges the fans after the match on August 8, 2021© Reuters

Blackpool and Middlesbrough meet in the EFL Cup first round on Wednesday night having both enjoyed a positive start to the new Championship campaign.

A day after newly-promoted Blackpool earned a share of the spoils at Bristol City, Boro replicated that effort with a 1-1 draw at Fulham.

We say: Blackpool 1-2 Middlesbrough


With both teams expected to make a number of changes, it is difficult to predict the winner of what should be a close contest.

However, we marginally favour Boro, who may benefit from more familiarity in comparison to Blackpool's much-changed squad.

Our tipster partners are predicting that both teams will score (BTTS - yes).

> Click here to read our full preview for this match


Nott'm Forest vs. Bradford (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Nottingham Forest manager Chris Hughton gives instructions to his players on August 8, 2021© Reuters

Nottingham Forest play host to Bradford City in the EFL Cup first round looking to bounce back from their dramatic defeat to Coventry City on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Bradford, now under the leadership of Derek Adams, started their League Two campaign with a goalless draw at Exeter City.

We say: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Bradford City


With Hughton expected to make widespread changes, Bradford will fancy their chances of causing the upset.

However, Forest's fringe members will be keen to make a positive impression, leading us to predict a relatively comfortable win for the home side.

Our tipster partners are predicting a home win.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match


Burton Albion vs. Oxford Utd (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, now in charge of Burton Albion, pictured in January, 2021© Reuters

Burton Albion will be looking to maintain their impressive record in the first round of the EFL Cup when they welcome Oxford United to the Pirelli Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Brewers have advanced from this stage in nine consecutive seasons and will fancy their chances of extending that run against fellow League One side Oxford.

We say: Burton Albion 2-1 Oxford United


A lot will depend on the strength of the two sides fielded, but either way this is likely to be a tight contest at the Pirelli Stadium.

Oxford had the better of the two meetings last season, though we can see that changing here with Albion advancing to round two once again.

Our tipster partners are predicting that both teams will score (BTTS - yes).

> Click here to read our full preview for this match


Coventry vs. Northampton (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Coventry City manager Mark Robins pictured on August 8, 2021© Reuters

Coventry City and Northampton Town will each be aiming to build on winning starts to their league campaigns when they face off in round one of the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.

The Sky Blues beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 in their opening Championship match, while Northampton were 1-0 winners against Port Vale on the opening weekend of the League Two season.

We say: Coventry City 3-1 Northampton Town


Robins will likely be tempted to rotate his side between Championship matches, which should balance the playing field a little against League Two side Northampton.

However, backed by a home crowd simply glad to be back in their own city, we can see the Sky Blues progressing to round two for a third season running.

Our tipster partners are predicting a home win.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match


Leyton Orient vs. QPR (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Queens Park Rangers QPR manager Mark Warburton pictured in December 2020© Reuters

After both sides kicked off their league campaigns on Saturday, Leyton Orient and Queens Park Rangers will square off in EFL Cup action on Wednesday, with a place in the second round on the line.

The two teams had identical starts to the league season, albeit two divisions apart, as Leyton Orient drew 1-1 with Salford City while their visitors were held to the same scoreline by Millwall in the Championship opener.

We say: Leyton Orient 0-2 Queens Park Rangers


Mark Warburton could give chances to players outside of his strongest XI as he looks to gain a greater understanding of his squad, but we still see a rotated QPR side having far too much for Leyton Orient.

The former Brentford and Rangers manager has brought about a set system with the Hoops, and that impressive structure should see them over the line and through to the second round with squad players keen to impress.

Our tipster partners are predicting that both teams will score (BTTS - yes).

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

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