EFL Cup Acca Tips: Stoke’s Sorry Slump

The EFL Cup returns, and so do the acca tips to accompany its arrival. The latest instalment of games comes from the third round, with the teams playing in Europe introduced.

Thirty-two teams hope to progress to the next round and get one step closer to getting their hands on the trophy. Read below for Matthew O’Regan’s EFL Cup betting tips for the trio of selected games to combine for a 6.41 treble.

• Brighton vs Chelsea: Over 2.5 goals and BTTS – Yes
• Port Vale vs Sutton: Port Vale -0.75 Asian Handicap
• Bournemouth vs Stoke: Bournemouth -0.75 Asian Handicap

Acca odds: 6.41

Odds via bet365 as at 00:00, Monday 25th September Odds may now differ.

Chelsea vs Brighton: Goals galore at the Bridge

England, EFL Cup, Wednesday September 27th, 20:00 (UK)

The first game under the microscope comes from West London, as struggling Chelsea host a rampant Brighton team.

Despite a plethora of riches in their arsenal and many, many millions already spent under the ownership of American owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea are in a bit of a mess. The Blues are currently sitting in 14th place with one win in their opening six games—a home win over relegation favourites Luton Town. The poor start to the season is no surprise, with Chelsea failing to win 22 of their 27 Premier League games in 2023.

With Chelsea’s trigger-happy approach to management, Mauricio Pochettino must be feeling the pressure after a tough start and will want to get a win under his belt on Wednesday. With no European football to contend with, expect Chelsea to go strong in the cups as they look to make up for their poor league form.

BTTS and over 2.5 goals may have landed only twice for the Blues this season—the 3-1 defeat against West Ham—but their opponents have an impeccable record in this department.

There is quite a lot of animosity between the sides, with Chelsea taking Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez, Paul Winstanley, Graham Potter, and all his coaching staff off the Seagulls over the last 13 months.

After a historic campaign last year saw Albion qualify for Europe for the first time in their history, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have started this season on fire, winning five of their opening six Premier League games, including 3-1 victories over Champions League clubs Newcastle and Manchester United. Their European debut, however, was disappointing, being stunned 2–3 at home by underdogs AEK Athens.

Brighton are currently the league’s top scorers, with 18 goals scored in six games, with all seven games in all competitions seeing BTTS and Over 2.5 Goals. Their lowest-scoring game has seen four goals, showcasing the entertainment on display for the Seagulls.

Rotation is expected by De Zerbi, with the Italian making nine changes from the 3-2 defeat to Aek Athens to the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. Before this, eight changes were made for the Athens game from the victory at Old Trafford. With Brighton’s impeccable recruitment and philosophy, rotation shouldn’t be too much of an issue, and a goal-gluttonous game is expected at Stamford Bridge.

• Selection: BTTS and Over 2.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Port Vale vs Sutton: Valiant Vale

England EFL Cup, Tuesday 26th September, 19:45 (UK)

A League 1 vs League 2 clash is next, as Port Vale and Sutton will both be hoping for an unlikely fourth-round appearance.

Andy Crosby’s Port Vale side surprisingly sits in fourth place in League One after looking likely to be battling near the bottom. However, it has been a strong start for Vale, sitting two points off the table toppers Portsmouth with 17 points. Since their opening day 7-0 defeat at Barnsley, Crosby’s side have only lost once, winning three out of their four home games. Their home form in the cup has been strong, knocking Crewe and Fleetwood out of the EFL cup before beating Crewe again in the EFL trophy.

Sutton started the season with an impressive 5-1 win over Notts County. Since then, it has been downhill for Matt Gray’s side, with Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to MK Dons halting a run of seven straight league defeats. The Yellows have struggled massively on the road, losing all four away league games and conceding 14 goals in the process.

With Sutton bottom of the football league and Port Vale flying high in League 1, Port Vale looks excellent value to beat Sutton, with Sutton’s four away defeats ending 2-1, 3-1, 5-3, and 4-1.

• Selection: Port Vale -0.75 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds: 1.89
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10 (TRACKED BET)

Bournemouth vs Stoke: Stoke Slump to continue

England, EFL Cup, Wednesday 27th September 27th, 19:45.

The final game comes from the South Coast as Premier League AFC Bournemouth host Championship Stoke City.

Since arriving at the club, Spanish manager Andoni Iraola has yet to win a league game, drawing three and losing three of his opening six league games in charge of the Cherries. However, the 41-year-old has endured a tough start, hosting West Ham, Tottenham, and Chelsea while also having to travel to Liverpool, Brentford, and Brighton. Bar the Tottenham home game, Bournemouth have been in the majority of games and might’ve picked up more points on other days. With a strong summer transfer window, Bournemouth have a well-stacked team and squad depth.

Stoke had an interesting summer, bringing in a number of astute signings. However, they are yet to click, and the Potters have started the season slowly. Alex Neil’s side sits 20th, just two points clear of the relegation zone. They’ve particularly struggled away from home, losing 2-0, 1-0, 1-0 and drawing 2-2. Their recent 1-3 home defeat to Hull highlights Stoke’s issues, with the Bet365 stadium turning toxic as the goals went in.

Iraola will be desperate to build some momentum after a tough start to life in the Premier League, so I expect Bournemouth to beat Stoke with ease.

• Selection: Bournemouth -0.75 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds: 1.84
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

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