Middlesbrough to struggle in EFL Cup, says Charlie Nicholas
Thursday 25 August 2016 10:57, UK
We asked Charlie Nicholas to pick out some potential upsets for the EFL Cup second round.
Burnley travel to Accrington, live on Sky Sports 1 on Wednesday, looking to keep their momentum going after a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at the weekend.
Elsewhere, Fulham host Middlesbrough as one of four ties on the night.
Here are the games Charlie suggests looking out for, as well as a look back at his tips from Tuesday evening...
Accrington v Burnley (Wednesday 7.30pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)
This could be a tricky game for a side focused on survival, but Sean Dyche's mentality is key as he will never show a lack of respect for lower-league opponents.
He's got two strikers in Sam Vokes and Andre Gray who will be itching to play again after scoring at the weekend, so I don't see Dyche changing his frontline.
He'll maybe make a few small adjustments but Accrington are a good footballing side so I can't see them really unsettling the Clarets.
Charlie predicts: Burnley to win with Vokes and Gray both to score (9/2 with Sky Bet)
Live EFL Cup
This is is probably the standout fixture in terms of there not being too much difference between the two sides.
Boro have made an impressive start and Aitor Karanka will definitely make a few changes to keep his side fresh. His priority is undoubtedly the league.
This wouldn't really be much of an upset but I see it being a really tight game. Perhaps it will be another opportunity for the young lad Ryan Sessegnon to step up again. Young players like him have no fear and he'll be relishing the opportunity to make another headline.
Fulham to win and Sessegnon to score (17/2 with Sky Bet)
Here's what Charlie predicted on Tuesday...
Result: Burton 0-5 Liverpool
Charlie predicted: Liverpool to win in extra-time
It's been the same old Liverpool, with great spells and defensive problems. They had a great 15 minutes at Arsenal but they weren't brilliant in general and I've been surprised by Jurgen Klopp's defensive signings.
I expected him to go out and sign a top defender with pace and authority but, just like Arsenal, they've taken a risk and seem to be suffering the consequences.
Burton are a great story. Nigel Clough has typically been quite a defensive manager but he seems to have decided to have a go for it season and there's plenty of goals in them.
They like a comeback but they're also susceptible to letting a lead slip so it should be an interesting one. I'm expecting this to go right to the wire and I can see them taking Liverpool to extra-time.
Result: Exeter 1-3 Hull
Charlie predicted: Snodgrass to score and Hull win
This game has got danger in it for Hull. Mike Phelan will be aware he can't afford to pick up injuries and he'll be tempted to rest a few.
However, this is still his audition for the job and he won't want to lose the momentum they've built up, so it's going to be a balancing act.
They defended ever so well at Swansea so I think if Phelan doesn't make too many changes then they'll edge this one against a Exeter side that started poorly but won at the weekend.
To ensure my bet is voided if Phelan does play the kids, I'm going for Robert Snodgrass to add to his superb opening weekend goal by scoring in a Hull victory.
Result: Northampton 2-2 West Brom (4-3 on penalties)
Charlie predicted: West Brom to win and Berahino to score
One thing Tony Pulis has never been shy of is making changes in the cup. It's all about the league for him.
He says he still needs players and this is definitely a potential banana skin, but I think he'll use it as an opportunity to get Saido Berahino back in the goals and play him as a central striker, giving Salomon Rondon a rest in the process.
Result: Peterborough 1-3 Swansea
Charlie predicted: Peterborough to win
Peterborough score goals and will really have a go at Swansea. If I was picking one upset, then it would be this one.
I covered Swansea at the weekend and they never really got their shape right. We know Gylfi Sigurdsson is quality but Fernando Llorente's movement was poor and they couldn't make the most of Modou Barrow's pace.
I think you can get at them defensively, especially if they make changes, so I'm backing a Premier League casualty here.
