Plymouth vs. Cheltenham (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Plymouth Argyle play host to Cheltenham Town in the EFL Cup first round on Wednesday evening looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat at the weekend.
In sharp contrast to their host's thrashing in the Championship, Cheltenham marked their return to League Two with a thrilling win.
We say: Plymouth Argyle 3-2 Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham will feel that Plymouth's new-look side under Rooney are there for the taking and could push them close on Wednesday. However, we feel the home side will do just enough to edge this contest, perhaps in the closing stages.
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Hull City vs. Sheff Weds (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
© Imago
After both kicking off their Championship campaigns at the weekend, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday will square off at the MKM Stadium in the first round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
The hosts salvaged a draw late on in their season opener against Bristol City, while their visitors sit atop England's second tier after the first round of games thanks to a resounding home win.
We say: Hull City 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday
With both sides expected to make changes to their starting sides on Wednesday, we see the visitors having more strength in depth than their hosts, who are dealing with several notable absentees as well as losses of key men last season.
On the back of a statement win to start the season, we back Sheffield Wednesday to advance to the EFL Cup second round with a victory at the MKM Stadium.
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Leeds vs. Middlesbrough (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
© Imago
Two Championship heavyweights will clash in the first round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, as Leeds United and Middlesbrough battle it out at Elland Road for a place in the second-round draw.
The Whites are coming into this match following a pulsating start to their Championship campaign, whilst Boro are looking to maintain their 100% record in competitive matches so far this season.
We say: Leeds United 3-1 Middlesbrough
Leeds are likely to make a host of alterations to their XI for Wednesday night, but they should still have enough quality on the pitch to cause Middlesbrough serious issues.
In comparison, Boro are not as well-endowed in terms of squad depth, so we are envisaging a swift first-round exit for last season's semi-finalists.
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Oliver Thomas
