Free betting tips: Carabao Cup third round fixtures on September 25
The Carabao Cup continues on Tuesday with the third round bringing in England's big-hitters. Tom Carnduff has a 20/1 best bet.
Recommended Carabao Cup bets
2pts West Brom to score 2+ goals at 8/5
1pt Nathan Wood to score anytime in Preston v Middlesbrough at 20/1
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Blackpool v QPR
Bloomfield Road, 1945 BST
They were expected to struggle following Gary Bowyer's departure, but Blackpool keep building and find themselves just outside the play-offs under Terry McPhillips' guidance.
The Tangerines are capable of causing an upset here, in what should be a low-scoring encounter.
Blackpool are the fourth lowest-goal scorers in Sky Bet League One this season, but their five conceded sees them have the best defensive record.
This is their first game against opposition in a higher division this season, but questions surround how QPR will view this game given their decent form in the Championship.
The R's away record hasn't been great though. The 2-1 win over Bolton was the first victory of the season on the road, with two losses and a draw coming before that.
The value is there on backing at home victory, but one without many goals gives significantly better odds.
Bournemouth v Blackburn
Vitality Stadium, 1945 BST
This has the potential to be a great game given the records of these two teams going into this one, whether or not it appears so on paper.
Rovers are huge outsiders, but the 13/2 available on them doesn't account the strong Sky Bet Championship season they've had so far following promotion.
Tony Mowbray's men have lost just once in all competitions this season, and enjoyed a 3-2 victory over Stoke last time out.
Their main complaint from that game would be that they held a 3-0 lead after 47 minutes, but two conceded in as many minutes to set up a nervy finish.
Granted Bournemouth have had a good start at home, but they'll be looking to make changes as they aim to give their full squad game time.
The Cherries did beat MK Dons 3-0 in the last round with a fairly strong looking outfit, but when you examine the stats it did show that the visitors had opportunities.
They managed seven attempts on goal in total, highlighting how the Bournemouth defence was vulnerable at times.
Best bet: Blackburn to win at 13/2
Preston v Middlesbrough
Deepdale, 1945 BST
It's an all-Championship clash at Deepdale as Preston take on Middlesbrough, with the bookies' unable to separate the two sides.
Boro are flying high in the division as they sit in second after a 0-0 draw with Swansea at the weekend.
Boss Tony Pulis has highlighted the need for changes here, and is expected to give a number of players minutes.
After that draw, and as quoted by Teesside Live, Pulis commented: "This league has pushed on, it is better in every way shape or form, but to ask them to play eight games extra, it’s a lot of games compared to the Premier League.
"This is the period, the next six to eight weeks, we have played nine games already and the Premier League have played six, and we have another couple of midweek games. It’s forced in. It’s only my view."
One player who should feature is Nathan Wood. Despite being just 16, he has appeared in both Carabao Cup games this season, including a full 90 minutes in the win over Rochdale.
Middlesbrough are the division's strongest sides at set-pieces, scoring more than any other team from those situations.
Given Wood's position as a centre-back, he will have opportunities to strike for goal against a Preston side that will also see a number of changes.
The visitors have won 34 corners in their last five games, and look for crosses into the box to create good chances to score.
Centre-backs Daniel Ayala and Aden Flint have 18 shots on goal between them this season, which goes to show the attacking intent required from their defenders.
It's not just the centre-back factor that can help Wood's goal-scoring chances - but his pace could potentially be problematic when he is on the ball. The bookies' are struggling to pin a price, with a range of 6/1 to 20/1 across the board.
Dael Fry and Danny Batth are other options at centre-back, but Pulis' hint at wholesale changes could see those miss out in favour of Wood. Batth is at 14/1 and Fry at 20s to strike anytime should either play.
Pulis should have faith in the youngster again though, and the huge 20/1 available on him to score anytime looks great value when you factor in the above.
Best bet: Nathan Wood to score anytime at 20/1
West Brom v Crystal Palace
The Hawthorns, 2000 BST
West Brom were recently relegated from the Premier League, but the Baggies find themselves back up against Premier League opposition as they welcome Crystal Palace.
The Hawthorns has become a real fortress for West Brom since their opening day defeat against Bolton. Darren Moore's side have scored 16 goals in five home games this season.
They're also a side in-form, unbeaten in their last five, of which four have been wins.
The West Midlands outfit know where the net is, so much so that they are the 6/4 favourites to finish as the Championship's top scorers this season.
Despite being outsiders, they are capable of victory given their exceptional home record in recent weeks.
The goals aspect of this side is what is the most appealing though, and the 8/5 available on them scoring two or more looks good value.
Best bet: West Brom to score 2+ goals at 8/5
Odds correct at 1520 BST (24/09/18)
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