EFL Cup third round Predictions: betting preview and free football tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the EFL Cup games on Wednesday.

When to bet

7.45pm Wednesday

Best bets

Brighton or draw double chance 7.45pm
1pt 6-5 general

Elliot Anderson to score or register an assist 7.45pm
1pt 17-10 Paddy Power, Betfair

Blackburn 7.45pm
1pt 9-1 bet365

Match preview

Arsenal have had an almost faultless start to the season but they face a tough challenge in the third round of the EFL Cup, taking on a Brighton side who have a decent record against them in recent meetings.

The Gunners have won just two of their last nine head-to-heads with the Seagulls and Roberto De Zerbi has impressed tactically in his short spell in charge of the club, who sit sixth in the Premier League.

Back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Wolves, in which they have scored seven goals, have Brighton flying high and with Mikel Arteta likely to shuffle the pack after a crucial 1-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend, backing Brighton to at least take the game to extra time makes plenty of appeal.

Another side looking to convert their good league form into a cup run are Newcastle, who have won six of their last seven games to rise up the table to third place.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Magpies’ recent run has been their ability to win games without playing at the top of their game and with a number of key players such as Alexander Isak, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jonjo Shelvey out through injury.

Saint-Maximin and Shelvey are nearing a return and should feature in this cup tie against Crystal Palace, who picked up an important win at the weekend with a 2-1 victory over West Ham.

Eagles youngster Michael Olise stole the show with a late winner but it may be the Magpies’ hottest young prospect who has a major say in this encounter.

Elliot Anderson has been gradually eased into Newcastle’s first team this season but he played the majority of the second-round win over Tranmere, registering five shots in the process.

The 19-year-old scored seven goals and had six assists in 20 starts on loan at Bristol Rovers last season and is fancied to score or register an assist here.

Blackburn have exceeded many of their pre-season expectations by winning 12 of their opening 20 games to put themselves in the title race in the Championship.

Rovers have won five of their last six matches and look overpriced when they visit West Ham, who have lost two of their last three.

While the Hammers are likely winners, they have not always been convincing this season and the 9-1 about an away victory simply looks too big.

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