Carabao Cup: A 25/1 acca to give Tuesday night some fizz

A couple of weeks in and we’ve already gone into football overload.

It might seem like this isn’t much of a big deal – you know – the Carabao Cup post the Premier League being back.

I mean, the fact the competition is sponsored by an energy drink is a good indication that you’ll be requiring some of the produce to stay awake for some of the games.

So we’ve picked out the best ones to liven it up a bit.

Salford City v Leeds, Tuesday, 19:45 Live on Sky

Salford City are one of the least likeable clubs in England. It’s not just because they’re owned by David Beckham – it’s because they’re effectively a side product for the Class of 92. No footballer should have enough money to own another football club in the football league.

They’re nothing but a show of grandiose, and I’ll be very happy when Leeds pop into town to spank them.

The reason they’ll do is two-pronged. Leeds will treat this as if it’s Man United, because of the close ties to them. Anything for a few Mancs to be upset going home midweek.

But also because, reserve or otherwise, Leeds United are a transformed club who play the right way. No, they won’t get dragged into a dogfight. They’ll play out from the back and actually display the divisional gap for once.

Selection: Leeds to win at 1/2

Bradford v Preston, Tuesday, 19:45

Bradford may have had designs on being promoted this year – but they’ve yet to win a game. Gary Bowyer will run through his side. The thing is – he’ll play them, too.

It’s going to be a very strong Bradford team up against a Preston side who have had their depth whipped off them during the off-season. Callum Robinson, who was such a key figure for them, is in the Premier League. Sean Maguire will rest, Alan Browne won’t play.

This game is far more even than the prices suggest, and I’m happy to take a punt at these mammoth odds.

Selection: Bradford to win @ 12/5

Accrington Stanley v Sunderland, Tuesday, 19:45

I’m not going to sit here and say that Accrington have a better side than Sunderland. I’m saying that one of these sides has yet to win a game from two in League One, and the other lost their opener.

I will go on to say that one of these sides is at home.

And I will reinforce that point by saying that a 250-mile round trip is enticing absolutely nobody.

To follow on, Sunderland have aspirations about promotion this year and need to wrap themselves in cotton wool so they don’t experience the same heartbreak they felt last year.

There probably aren’t too many clubs in England less arsed about this competition than Sunderland are, and that’s as good a reason as any to suggest Accrington Stanley.

Selection: Accrington Stanley to win @ 15/8

West Brom v Millwall, Tuesday, 20:00

Often in this competition, it simply comes down to who has the best squad depth. If the answer is A, I’m more inclined to back A. If the answer is A and they’ve both had a good start to the season, then I’m definitely backing A. If A are at home on top of all of that, then I’m absolutely backing A.

Think about it. There’s renewed hope in Millwall that they’ll manage a play-off push. There’s also a massive amount of pressure on West Brom to get promoted this season. A culmination of those two factors is West Brom and Millwall being forced to rest players, and one side being considerably better-resourced than the other.

Ding ding.

Selection: West Brom to win at 4/5

*This four team acca pays 25/1 at the prices shown which are correct at time of publishing.