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Horse Racing Carabao Cup Best Bets: Three Best Bets Including a 7.80 Punt
Carabao Cup Best Bets: Tuesday, August 9th
The early rounds of the League Cup often throw up surprises as many of the favourites rest key players at an important stage of their league campaigns. I’ve taken a look at Tuesday’s matches in order to work out what favourites are worth backing, and which ones aren’t.
In this article:
- Blackpool vs Barrow Preview & Best Bet
- Reading vs Stevenage Preview & Best Bet
- Bolton vs Salford Preview & Best Bet
Blackpool vs Barrow Preview
England, League Cup, Tuesday, August 9th, 19:45 (UK)
Barrow have started the season in good form. They have won both of their opening two fixtures 3-2, and their rampant attack has been causing problems for their opponents. This game will be viewed as a free hit for the League Two side. They will know they have every chance of getting a win; with wholesale changes expected for Blackpool.
Blackpool narrowly beat Reading in their opening match, but they succumbed to a disappointing defeat against Stoke at the weekend. Pete Wild seems to have implemented a high-energy style of football, and this could cause problems for Blackpool if they aren’t at the races straight away.
Blackpool also have an extensive list of absentees, with around regulars unavailable for this clash. Barrow should see this as the perfect opportunity to increase confidence in the camp even further, so I’m happy to back and upset here.
Blackpool vs Barrow Best Bet
The visitors are priced at 7.80 with SBK to win. This definitely represents value. Blackpool were eliminated from last season’s League Cup by Sunderland. The prospect of Blackpool fielding a severely weakened team provides a further boost for Barrow, but it is important to be cautious here.
- Selection: Barrow To Win
- Best Odds: 7.80 (SBK)
- Stakes: 4/10
Reading vs Stevenage Preview
England, League Cup, Tuesday, August 9th, 20:00 (UK)
Reading are another Championship side that I am expecting to have problems with this round. They take on Stevenage, another League Two side that has won their first two league matches, and I think Reading will field many of their fringe players here.
There have been three goals in both of Stevenage’s league matches so far this season, and there was also three goals in Reading’s only home match so far. The visitors will be looking to make a fast start in order to put the home side under pressure, and I think all signs point to goals in this one.
Barrow are priced at around 3.60 for the win with most bookmakers, suggesting the bookmakers are expecting them to be competitive in this one. Stevenage’s last three League Cup matches have ended with four, four and six goals respectively, so let’s hope they have the same attacking intent here.
Reading vs Stevenage Best Bet
Over 2.5 goals in the match is priced at 1.95 with bet365, and I feel as though this represents value given that Reading are unlikely to be at full strength. Stevenage are also more than capable of being an attacking threat.
- Selection: Over 2.5 Goals
- Best Odds: 1.95 (bet365)
- Stakes: 7/10
More Reading vs Stevenage Tips
Bolton vs Salford Preview
England, League Cup, Tuesday, August 9th, 19:45 (UK)
Elsewhere, Bolton take on Salford in a clash between the sides local to Manchester. There should be an edge to this one, and both teams have been defensively sound in the lead-up to the game.
Salford have kept two clean sheets in their opening League Two matches, while Bolton have been solid in League One so far; netting three in their win over Wycombe at home in their last match after a draw on the road to Ipswich.
These two will be reluctant to give up any ground early on in the game with bragging rights up for grabs. This should lead to a tight affair that is settled late on. Salford have already shown they are able to keep it tight in their league matches, so they will be keen to ensure they remain stern early on against opponents from a higher division.
Salford vs Bolton Best Bet
Home advantage should give Bolton a boost in what will be a tricky game for them against a team they’re expected to beat. Salford’s defence will need to remain resolute again, and I expect this match to be cagey for much of the 90 minutes. bet365 are offering under 2.5 goals in the match at 1.95, and I’m happy to back this given what we have seen from the visitors so far this season.
- Selection: Under 2.5 Goals
- Best Odds: 1.95 (bet365)
- Stakes: 7/10
Odds as at 19:00, August 8th, 2022. Odds may now differ.
Best odds available as at 19:00, August 8th, 2022. Odds may now differ.
