EFL Cup - Best Bets

Gone are the easy days of simply opposing all the big guns in this competition unfortunately, and we now need to scour the team news and managers intentions a little more closely. Favourites aren’t getting knocked out nearly as often as they used to, and it’s arguably more valuable to be looking for the Premier League and Championship sides who will be strong enough to get the job done, than looking for those who will be weak to oppose.

So we’ll start at Aston Villa where a deep squad should ensure that Steve Bruce can still put out a decent XI despite resting a number of his league regulars. The likes of Ritchie De Laet and Chris Samba should start for Villa, who have retained a decent enough squad to have been considered favourites for the Championship at the start of the season.

Wigan’s Paul Cook made 11 changes in the last round, and is certain to do a similar amount of shuffling around. While that was enough to reach the second round, a trip to Villa will be a tough ask, and we fancy the home side.

2.2pts Aston Villa to beat Birmingham at 10/11 - General

Another side who can rest players but still progress comfortably are Bournemouth. Premier League money has allowed them to build depth into their squad, and Jermain Defoe is the biggest name who is likely to start. He was among the most prolific men in the Premier League last season, so should be trusted to become a thorn in the side of a Birmingham side who haven’t pulled up any trees as yet, and lost to a poor Burton side on Saturday.

Tyrone Mings, Dan Gosling and Marc Pugh are also more than competent when facing Championship rivals, and we fancy an away win at odds against.

2pts Bournemouth to beat Birmingham at 6/5 - Bet365

One match which could be a struggle for the favourites is the Brighton v Barnet encounter. Brighton have a number of players on the treatment table, and come into this match without Izzy Brown, Steve Sidwell, Glenn Murray, Beram Kayal and Sam Baldock. Chris Hughton will be taking no risks to his key men, and as a result, Barnet have to have some chance of keeping things tight in this one. We’ll take them with a two goal start on the handicap.

1pt Barnet (+2) to beat Brighton at Evens - Betfair Sportsbook

Swansea look a poor side right now, but they have promised to send a strong squad to MK Dons, and should be trusted to get the job done at a shade of odds-on. Getting some momentum underway will be crucial to Swansea’s chances of survival this season, and just a win or two in the competition could make all the difference.

MK Dons are likely to make a couple of changes themselves, and we’d certainly back the Swansea fringe players over those in the MK Dons squad.

4/5 is available with William Hill for Swansea to win this, and it’s big enough to trust the Premier League side.

1pt Swansea to beat MK Dons at 4/5 with William Hill

Finally, consider adding in Watford, where Troy Deeney will be itching to lead the line for the first time this season, while Etienne Capoue and Will Hughes are expected to be involved as well. Bristol City have a number of players ruled out ahead of this one, including Matty Taylor, Milan Djuric and Cauley Woodrow. They are probably more one for a multiple bet, so we’ll resist the single at 4/7 and simply chuck in a multiple bet on this one with our stronger fancies.

1pt Watford, Swansea, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth all to win at 14/1 with Bet365

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