The Carabao Cup second round brings plenty of intriguing fixtures, with Premier League, Championship, and League One clubs battling for a place in the next round. Our Carabao Cup predictions and betting tips assess the strongest matchups, recent form, squad depth and the impact of likely rotation.
Southampton take on fellow Championship favourites West Ham while Wolves travel to Sheffield Wednesday. We have picked out six fixtures where we see the most value, including the match-winner, both teams to score, and over/under betting markets, before combining our selections into a Carabao Cup accumulator.
Ipswich Town vs Leicester City Predictions
Score prediction: Ipswich 2-0 Leicester
Last season could not have been more polarising for these sides. Ipswich finished second in the EFL Championship, earning promotion straight back to the Premier League after relegation the previous year. Leicester faced a shocking relegation, sending them down to League One for the first time in 17 years.
The Foxes have struggled in their opening two games, drawing away to Notts County before losing to Burton Albion at home. While it is too early to press the panic button, it will be hard for the former Premier League champions to find their first win of the season against Premier League opposition.
Ipswich Town vs Leicester Betting Tips – Ipswich to Win
A rotational Ipswich side should be more than enough to get past Leicester at Portman Road. The Foxes are likely to rotate too, with their focus this season being on promotion. Bet on Ipswich to win, worth 3/5.
You can also look at the over/under markets, which often include better returns than an outright prediction. Betting on either over 1.5 goals or under 2.5 goals is a good idea for this fixture. We expect a comfortable round two win for the home side.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Predictions
Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Leeds
This is one of the standout ties of the second round, with two Premier League sides facing off at the City Ground. Forest have the home advantage, but this could be a difficult game to call with both teams likely to rotate heavily so early in the season. Leeds defeated Forest in their season opener this past weekend, but expect plenty of fresh faces in this fixture. That could mean goals for both sides. Separating these teams is hard despite Leeds’ win on Saturday, and we see this one going to penalties.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Betting Tips – Both Teams to Score
Rather than picking a winner, both teams to score looks the more appealing option for anyone betting on soccer. Both sides will rotate, and that slight dip in quality from their previous clash could see a more open game. The odds on the draw are also attractive at 23/10.
An open game could mean plenty of shots from both sides, which opens the door to strong player bets. Add another betting tip, maybe a player to get a booking or shots on target. Dominic Calvert-Lewin to have at least one shot on target is an appealing option, with the Leeds striker likely to remain a key threat even if Farke rotates his squad.
Calvert-Lewin finished last season strongly and has already shown his threat against Forest, while Leeds will be confident after winning the Premier League meeting between the sides just a few days ago. This gives us another angle to consider alongside both teams to score.
Stoke City vs Hull City Predictions
Score prediction: Stoke 1-2 Hull
Stoke and Hull meet in a fascinating clash as the two sides who know each other well from the Championship. Hull have made the stronger start after promotion last season and will arrive with plenty of confidence after their stunning 2-0 win over Manchester United at the weekend. Stoke, meanwhile, have home advantage and should not be underestimated, particularly in a cup competition where wholesale rotation can quickly level the playing field. This could be one of the more entertaining games of the round, with both teams likely to fancy their chances of progressing.
Stoke City vs Hull City Betting Tips – Both Teams to Score
Picking a winner here feels risky, making the goals market the better option. Both sides should see this as a winnable route into the next round, and neither will want to sit back for 90 minutes. Both teams to score stands out as the selection, particularly given the likelihood of rotation creating opportunities at both ends. It is also a market that has been highlighted as an appealing angle for this week’s Carabao Cup fixtures.
Alternatively, betting on Hull to win could be worthwhile. The newly promoted side has already shown tremendous character with the annihilation of top four challengers Man United. Backing them to enter a win streak against the likes of Stoke could be a savvy wager this week.
Southampton vs West Ham Predictions
Score prediction: Southampton 2-0 West Ham
Southampton can take advantage of West Ham’s poor start to the Championship season when the two sides meet at St Mary’s. The Hammers remain without a league win after drawing 2-2 with Burnley before suffering a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Charlton. Defensive mistakes have already become a major concern. Jarrod Bowen is one of the best right wingers in the league but has admitted the side have been conceding “really poor goals” following the latest setback.
These two EFL Championship betting favourites will want to make a statement with a victory here, laying down a marker for a potential title race. With home advantage and West Ham already under pressure to improve their form, we are backing the Saints to secure a 2-0 win.
Southampton vs West Ham Betting Tips – Southampton to Win
West Ham’s poor start makes Southampton the standout pick here. The visitors have yet to win in the Championship and have shown defensive vulnerabilities in both of their opening league games. Saints can make a big statement with a victory here, and they should be able to make home advantage count. This West Ham side are still searching for confidence, and a defeat here feels like the most likely route. Southampton to win is our preferred betting tip, worth 6/4.
Birmingham City vs Brentford Predictions
Score prediction: Birmingham 1-3 Brentford
Birmingham welcome Brentford in one of the more interesting ties of the round. The home side will hope to take advantage of any changes made by their visitors, while Brentford have the squad quality to remain dangerous even if they rotate. They put three past Tottenham this past weekend and will carry that confidence into this game, knowing the Carabao Cup is an excellent chance at silverware this season.
Birmingham should be competitive on home soil and will view this as an excellent opportunity to test themselves, but Brentford’s attacking quality could ultimately prove the difference. Expect a competitive game, but Brentford’s quality should be too much over 90 minutes.
Birmingham City vs Brentford Betting Tips – Brentford to Win
Birmingham have enough quality to make this a difficult tie, particularly at home, but Brentford’s strength in depth gives them the advantage. Rotation could make the game closer than the league gap might suggest, yet the visitors should still have enough quality across the pitch to progress. Brentford to win and over 2.5 goals is our preferred selection here, worth 17/10 with our online sportsbook.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Wolves Predictions
Score prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Wolves
Wolves should have too much quality for Sheffield Wednesday in this EFL Cup second-round tie. The visitors may rotate, but their greater Premier League and Championship experience and squad depth should give them a clear advantage over League One opposition. Wolves also come into the match after a 3-1 win at Preston, giving them some useful momentum ahead of the trip to Hillsborough. Wolves look well placed to progress in this tie even playing away from home.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Wolves Betting Tips – Wolves to Win
Wolves may make changes, but they should still have the stronger squad and greater depth. Sheffield Wednesday will look to turn this into a physical, competitive contest and use the atmosphere at Hillsborough to their advantage. However, Wolves’ Championship quality should give them the edge over 90 minutes. Wolves to win is the selection as we don’t see a giant killing on the cards.
Carabao Cup Second Round Accumulator
There are plenty of games for anyone betting on the Carabao Cup this weekend, but these are our best bets. Each of our picks offers excellent odds, but you can extend them even further by adding them into a six-leg accumulator worth 50/1.
- Nottingham Forest vs Leeds – Both Teams to Score – 7/10
- Birmingham vs Brentford – Brentford to Win & Over 2.5 Goals – 17/10
- Ipswich vs Leicester – Ipswich to Win – 4/7
- Sheffield Wed vs Wolves – Wolves to Win – 5/8
- Southampton vs West Ham – Southampton to Win – 6/4
- Overall Price – 50/1
