Tuesday's EFL Cup first-round predictions and free football betting tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the EFL Cup first round matches on Tuesday.

When to bet

7.30pm Tuesday

Best bets

Accrington
2pts 21-20 Coral, Ladbrokes

Walsall
1pt 7-4 bet365

Betting preview

Tranmere have lost in the opening round of the EFL Cup in each of the last four seasons and could fall at the first hurdle again at League One Accrington.

This early-season knockout competition isn’t at the top of everyone’s priority list and it’s unlikely to be at the forefront of Micky Mellon’s mind after back-to-back defeats to start the League Two campaign.

Rovers suffered a 2-1 reverse at home to Stevenage in their opening game before Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Mansfield, where they were very much second-best and lost the shot count 17-6.

Tranmere were beaten on penalties by Oldham, who were eventually relegated from League Two, in the first round last season and should be fearing the worst at the Wham Stadium, where Stanley have lost only two of their last 17 competitive matches.

Accrington have started well in League One, following a 2-2 draw at home to Charlton with a 1-0 victory at Shrewsbury, and manager John Coleman insists he is going to embrace the competition.

Walsall also look a big price at home to League Two rivals Swindon, who are missing last season’s top scorer Harry McKirdy through suspension.

The Saddlers are the early pace-setters in the fourth tier after wins to nil over Hartlepool and Newport while Swindon still await their first goal of the season.

The Robins managed just one shot on target in a 3-0 loss at Harrogate in their opening fixture before Saturday’s goalless draw at home to Salford.

With McKirdy out and key attackers from last season in Jack Payne and Louie Barry no longer at the club, Scott Lindsey’s side have a bit to prove.

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