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Horse Racing EFL Cup Acca Tips: A Welsh Hollywood Welcome in Wrexham
The EFL Cup returns to our screens on Tuesday and Wednesday. An unpredictable competition, with Championship, League 1, and League 2 clubs all fancying their chances of causing upsets and dreaming of a Wembley trip. Unpredictably leads typically to goals, so based on this, I have a 10.64 odds acca to get stuck in to.
- Wrexham vs Wigan: Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals
- Sheffield Wednesday v Stockport: Stockport double chance
- Notts County v Lincoln: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals
Acca odds: 10.64
Odds via bet365 as at 02.08, 00:00, 2023
Wrexham vs Wigan: Wrexham & Wigan to wreak havoc in Wales
England, EFL CUP, Tuesday 8th August 20:00 (UK)
These two sides have been in the headlines for contrasting reasons due to their owners. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney backed Wrexham financially, helping the Red Dragons win the National League title with a record points tally.
Former Wigan chairman Talal Al-Hammad has mismanaged the Latics finances, leading to players being paid late five times and the club heading into this season with a -8 point deduction. Wigan are under new stewardship, and stability can finally take place.
On the football pitch, the fortunes have also been contrasting. Wrexham have kept their promotion-winning squad the same, with Will Boyle the only addition thus far. On the other hand, relegated Wigan have seen 15 players depart and eight join the club.
Despite their predicament and finishing bottom of the league, BTTS occurred in 64% of Wigan’s away fixtures. In Wrexham’s record-breaking season, The Red Dragons scored 111 goals and conceded 43, with their games averaging 3.45 goals per game. They were rampant at home, scoring 74 in 23. Games at the Racecourse averaged over four goals.
Although being three leagues below Tuesday’s opponents, Wrexham are priced as 1.80 favourites. However, I think Wigan are more than good enough to score at least one against a Wrexham side that only kept nine home clean sheets all season. If Wrexham, who averaged 3.2 home goals per game, perform as they did last season against a Wigan side that conceded 30 away goals, we should see goals at both ends in Wales.
- Selection: Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams to Score
- Best Odds: 2.20
- Bookmaker: bet365
Sheffield Wednesday vs Stockport: Stubborn Stockport
England. EFL Cup, Tuesday 8th August 19:45
Championship newcomers Sheffield Wednesday are set to host League 2 playoff finalists Stockport County at Hillsborough. While there are two leagues between the sides, I am anticipating a close battle.
Sheffield Wednesday sealed promotion back to the second division after a dramatic playoff final victory over Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, but since then, uncertainty lingers in the air at Hillsborough. Manager Darren Moore left by mutual consent, with Xisco Munoz as his replacement. The Spaniard has been less than convincing since his Watford departure, so it is an interesting appointment. With the oldest and smallest squad in the league, I would not be surprised to see rotation from Munoz.
On the other hand, Stockport looks in great shape heading into the new campaign. An ambitious transfer window with a host of talented signings—Nick Powell being the pinnacle—sees The Hatters in good condition for the next campaign. David Challinor’s side were in fantastic form at the back end of last season, only losing one of their last 20 regular-season games. This fine run of form saw them qualify for the playoffs despite a stuttering start. Challinor took the cups seriously, getting to the third round of the FA Cup as well as holding then-Premier League Leicester to a draw before bowing out on penalties.
With Sheffield Wednesday expected to rotate and play a weaker side, I am willing to bank on Stockport managing at least a draw.
- Selection: Stockport Double Chance
- Best Odds: 2.15
- Bookmaker: bet365
More Sheffield Wednesday vs Stockport Tips
Notts County vs Lincoln: Wheelbarrow full of goals
England, EFL Cup, Tuesday, 8th August 20:00
The last leg of the acca comes from Nottingham, as recently promoted Notts County host League 1 Lincoln. Notts County are coming into League 2 after an intense title battle with Wrexham, whereas Lincoln will fancy their chances as dark horses in League 1. This dynamic should make for an interesting match at Meadow Lane.
While a staggering 117 goals scored showcased Luke William’s side’s potency in attack, his defence’s tendency to switch off saw his side concede 43 goals. The Magpies’ games tended to be high-scoring, averaging 3.4 goals. Macaulay Langstaff had a record-breaking season, scoring 42 goals as he swept up the top goalscorer award.
The signing of 25-goal David McGoldrick further ameliorates County’s redoubtable attack. Defensively, Williams has not strengthened as much as some would have presumed. Aidan Stone is an upgrade on Sam Slocombe in goal, and Ollie Tipton arrives on loan from Wolves to add depth to the defence. With a lack of EFL experience in the backline, Notts County may struggle to contain Lincoln.
Like Notts County, Lincoln has overseen a strong window and looks in good shape to sneak into the playoffs. Tyler Walker joins permanently, hoping to emulate a fruitful loan spell in 2019 that saw him score 14 goals for the Imps. He will form a formidable partnership with the clinical Ben House. Like the Wrexham game, the lower-ranked side is priced as the favourite. However, I can see goals at both ends in the Midlands.
- Selection: Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals
- Best Odds: 2.25
- Bookmaker: bet365
More Notts County vs Lincoln Tips
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