Carabao Cup match previews and best bets for first round action on Tuesday August 13
The Carabao Cup continues on Tuesday night. Tom Carnduff previews the key fixtures and picks out some best bets.
Recommended bets
2pts Salford to beat Leeds in 90 minutes at 11/2
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Salford v Leeds
Leeds have started the season well with four points from a possible six. Promotion to the Premier League is a priority and we saw last season that Marcelo Bielsa sees the cup competitions as a bit of a disruption.
There were a number of changes when they visited QPR in the FA Cup back in January. The likes of Clarke Odour and Kun Temenuzhkov made their senior debuts, while other youngsters who had prior substitute involvement started.
This competition actually handed Bielsa his first competitive defeat at the club. Preston beat the Whites at Elland Road, again that was a much changed Leeds side.
Take nothing away from Leeds, they have seriously talented youngsters in their ranks. Jamie Shackleton, Mateusz Bogusz and new loanee Eddie Nketiah are all tipped for great things.
However, the number of changes that will be made could prove to be problematic.
Add in the fact that Leeds are viewed as a serious scalp for lower league sides. Regardless of the manager, regardless of the team, sides in lower divisions have been tough for Leeds to get by in recent seasons.
They've been beaten away by Sutton and Newport, while they were also eliminated by Doncaster in 2015 on penalties in the first round.
Given the Manchester United connection at Salford, Leeds will be a team they will be eager to beat. Bielsa wants to win every game he's involved in, but you won't imagine he will lose too much sleep over a defeat on Tuesday night.
AFC Wimbledon v MK Dons
Time for a bit of a rant here. It's not just these two clubs, but they've both been guilty of this. The near radio silence from managers in terms of team selection and match previews for the Carabao Cup first round has been incredibly annoying.
This competition divides opinion, with many managers using it as the "chance for others to impress". That's of course the polite way of saying "I'm not playing my best players because it's only the cup."
However, here we have a game between two sides whose history does not need further explanation.
The first three meetings between these sides were all cup games. Their last meeting saw a 0-0 draw, although Wimbledon did see victory against MK in front of their own supporters in 2017.
They'll want victory here and they won't be taking it easy. They may have lost their first two games of the season, but this game provides Wimbledon the opportunity to return to winning ways.
It's a unique rivalry. At a best price of 8/5, it's worth backing the home side for victory.
Wigan v Stoke
The Nick Powell derby, as nobody is calling this game.
An-all Championship affair with Wigan welcoming Stoke to the DW Stadium. Both sides have hinted that there will be changes.
The hosts are set to hand new signings Charlie Mulgrew and Bright Enobakhare debuts, while Nathan Jones has said he will do what is best for his squad.
With plenty of changes, and both sides being eager to impress, it could present the opportunity for an open game.
Stoke haven't had the best of starts, although it will take some time for this new look side to gel and get to know each other, and this cup tie offers the opportunity for more minutes to those on the fringes.
It's worth considering the 6/1 available on Charlie Mulgrew finding the net anytime in this one. The centre-back is a real threat from set-piece situations, with an impressive ten goals in the 2018/19 season.
If he gets a free-kick in a dangerous position, he will capitalise. However, for this game, consider the over goals market in what should be an open contest.
Best bet: Over 2.5 goals in the match at 21/20
Odds correct at 1730 BST (12/08/19)
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