Swansea-Palace over 2.5 Goals - I think where there's Palace there are overs. Swansea at home normally tend to be more of an attacking minded team and regardless of their Championship status they'll definitely have a go. I expect a rotated Palace side but I don't expect them to be any less threatening going forward. Should be a good game. It will go 2-1 either way.
AFC Wimbledon vs West Ham - West Ham -1 AH - I just think West Ham needs this win badly after 3 losses out of 3 and Pellegrini should field a relatively decent side. They showed improvement against Arsenal, got very unlucky not to win you would say. I think Wimbledon are a class below the Hammers and although Arnautovic Antonio and noble are out, I think the like of Chicarito can slot in. West Ham on paper are better and this should show. I expect 0-3 for the Hammers.
Brighton vs Southampton - Brighton Win - I just think Brighton are very good at home. Brighton had a great home record against BPL oppo last season, now they take on Bpl's Southampton who look very shaky and are in for a relegation battle imo. i think Brighton will win this, they're genuenly better in my eyes.
Fulham vs Exeter - Fulham -1.5 AH - Fulham are 3 leagues above and have finally won on the weekend which should boost their confidence. We may see a rotated Fulham side, but they've got a prety decent squad overall with all the new additions. Exeter are nothing special, League two side. The game is at Craven Cottage and I fully expect Fulham to win by 2 or more goals.
There's are my main picks for the cup games. I'll also post more picks on my page later
Four EFL Cup Games tomorrow - Here's my mini previews
Everton vs Rotherham - I think Everton is rightly considered as massive favourites. Of course now we'll see a rotated side but that side is still going to be very good with the likes of Bernard, Calwert-Lewin , Zouma etc stepping in. Richarlison is obviously suspended but playing against a team like Rotherham I don't think it'll be a big miss. Rotherham are a championship side, will be fighting relegation but they are having a decent start to the season by their standarts, sitting 15th and just recently beating a good Millwall side. I think goals overs are a decent option because Everton have had 3 over 2.5 games out of 3 and 2 over 3.5 games out of 3 so they like goals and can concede. Rotherham in their 6 games have had three over 2.5 games so they're up and down with goals, but surely with a game against a team like Everton it's more than likely it'll be an over. Everton -2 AH and over 3.5 goals are my top picks. Everton are just going to be too much, plus it's at Goodison
Millwall vs Plymouth - Two sides who haven't started off well in their respective divisions. Milwall are just 16th in the Championship while Plymouth are rock bottom in the League One. I think Millwall will win this tie. I know Plyouth beat Bristol City in the EFL Cup already but thats surprisingly their only win on the season and I think there was luck involved there. Millwall on paper are a really good side and they are hardly ever beaten at the Den recently (one loss in 2018 as a whole). I think Millwall -1 AH comes through in this match easily.
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle - Such a tricky tie for Newcastle. I honestly would not be surprised if Newcastle binned this cup because the league games are very important right now and they must absolutely focus on that. Newcastle have not been in high spirits to start the season, it was shocking to see their tactics against Chelsea giving up 81% possession which is just so unlike newcastle. Nottingham Forest have been alright themselves, unbeaten so far but a ton of draws. I think at home they can beat a Premier League side like Newcastle for sure. Newcastle will probably be without key players like Shelvey and Lascelles who've been injured on the weekend. Forest are prety good at home and I expect a good turnout by the fans against this opponent. Forest win is a bet that's worthy a try imo.
Reading vs Watford - Man this would be easy to predict had I knew about Watford's intentions. I think Watford are miles better but whether they're going to take this cup seriously makes me doubt. Reading are one of the worst Championship sides with just two points and no wins in the league so far. Watford have won 3 out of 3 in the Prem and are riding a lot of momentum. On paper you'd have to say Watford will win and I am going to take the risk and bet on their win, but I wouldn't put too high stakes on that because they could just bin this cup and focus on the league.
Brighton Huddersfield Cardiff and Newcastle are the 4 premier league clubs eliminated from EFL Cup. the other 16 are in the 3rd round. Chelsea MUFC Man City Liverpool Arsenal Spurs and Burnley will join up in round 3
