Wednesday’s second round action in 2018-19 Carabao Cup sees Everton, Watford and Newcastle United amongst those in action.
The winners will join likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Bournemouth in the Third Round draw, which can be seen on EFL Matters on Thursday night at 7pm on Sky Sports Football.
Everton vs Rotherham United
Everton have enjoyed a strong start to this season under Marco Silva, despite drawing two out of their opening three by a 2-2 result.
Rotherham however should be easier opposition given the league difference and this is a competition that the Toffees should really target as a serious trophy prospect.
This therefore should be a comfortable home win.
Prediction: Everton 3-0 Rotherham United
Result: Everton 3-1 Rotherham United
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United
Newcastle will be hoping this isn’t deja vu as they meet Nottingham Forest a year on from losing this tie at home, after extra time.
Forest meanwhile are unbeaten but have won just one of their six games so far across all competitions and under Aitor Karanka, will surely be confident of causing a cupset.
Newcastle however have been impressive when on attack but are inconsistent at the back, so expect goals here.
Two previous League Cup ties at City Ground produced a draw (0-0, September 1974) and Forest win (4-3 in September 2011) but I reckon the result will be somewhere in middle but Newcastle will edge this.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Newcastle United
Result: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Newcastle United
Millwall vs Plymouth Argyle
Millwall come into this game off the back of two league defeats whilst Plymouth’s only win so far came in the first round, when they beat the Lions’ fellow Championship team – Bristol City.
This therefore could be a close contest but Millwall are set to field a fairly strong side so am going for a home win here.
Prediction: Millwall 2-0 Plymouth Argyle
Result: Millwall 3-2 Plymouth Argyle
Reading vs Watford (8:00pm)
Watford are the only Premier League side with a 100% unbeaten start entering at this stage, so am expecting good things despite some team changes here with Roberto Pereyra amongst those rested.
Add in the fact that they are unbeaten on last five visits to the Madejski Stadium (W2, D3) then this could be an one-sided match.
Three of those games however were draws so penalties probably would be a good bet, but Reading have made a poor start to season which makes me favour Watford for the win but it will be tight.
Prediction: Reading 1-2 Watford
Result: Reading 0-2 Watford
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