The Carabao Cup gets underway this weekend as clubs from across the EFL begin their quest for the season’s first major piece of silverware, with Saturday serving up a host of intriguing first-round ties.
Among the standout fixtures are a London derby between QPR and Millwall, while recently relegated trio Burnley, West Ham and Leicester all begin their campaigns on home soil looking to avoid an early upset.
London rivals renew hostilities
One of the earlier kick-offs on Saturday sees QPR host Millwall in what promises to be a fiercely contested derby.
Millwall are slight favourites at 5/4, with QPR available at 2/1 and the draw priced at 11/5.
Derby matches are notoriously difficult to predict, but Millwall look to have the edge if they can find the form they ended last season in. Cup football often throws up surprises, though, and with local bragging rights also at stake, expect a competitive affair where fine margins could decide the outcome.
Burnley expected to progress
Burnley begin the new season by welcoming Notts County to Turf Moor in one of the headline 3pm kick-offs.
The Clarets are strong 1/2 favourites, while Notts County are available at 5/1 and the draw is 3/1.
Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League last season, Burnley still possess plenty of quality and will be targeting a positive start under the spotlight. Notts County will relish the opportunity to test themselves against higher-league opposition, but the market suggests Burnley should have too much class over 90 minutes.
West Ham look to avoid an early shock
West Ham also begin their cup campaign after dropping into the Championship, taking on Portsmouth at the London Stadium.
They are 8/15 favourites to progress with a victory inside 90 minutes, while Portsmouth are 4/1 and the draw is available at 3/1.
The Hammers will see the Carabao Cup as an opportunity to build confidence early in the campaign, particularly after the disappointment of relegation. Portsmouth, meanwhile, have nothing to lose and will hope to frustrate their hosts before looking to capitalise on any nerves.
Leicester the shortest-priced favourites
Leicester are the strongest favourites among Saturday’s featured ties as they entertain Northampton Town.
The Foxes are just 1/4 to secure victory, with Northampton priced at 9/1 and the draw available at 9/2.
Leicester’s squad still contains plenty of players above their current level and they will be expected to make light work of lower-league opposition. Northampton have produced memorable cup upsets before, but this represents a huge challenge away from home.
Prediction
The opening weekend of the Carabao Cup rarely disappoints, with lower-league clubs dreaming of memorable giant-killings while bigger sides look to avoid becoming the latest upset story.
QPR against Millwall appears the closest contest on paper and could go either way, but Millwall’s slight edge in the betting makes them the selection.
Elsewhere, Burnley, West Ham and Leicester all look well placed to begin their cup campaigns with victories and avoid any early drama.
*Prices accurate at time of writing – odds subject to change.
