Tuesday's EFL Cup predictions: betting preview and free football tips

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

Best bets

Malcolm Ebiowei to score in Crystal Palace v Oxford United 7.45pm
1pt 16-5 general

Burnley 7.30pm
1pt Evs Coral, Hills

Over 2.5 goals in Bradford v Blackburn 7.45pm
1pt 19-20 bet365

Preview

Crystal Palace have targeted much of their recent recruitment on acquiring the brightest young talents in the EFL, and one of the Eagles' new stars from that sphere could take centre stage when they visit Oxford United in the EFL Cup.

Former Derby youngster Malcolm Ebiowei has made rapid strides for an 18-year-old. He starred for the relegated Rams in the Championship last season before Palace beat other Premier League pursuers to his signature in the summer.

Ebiowei is a direct and pacy winger who can cause plenty of issues for defenders. He netted once for the Rams last term and has already scored for Palace’s Under-23 side in his only appearance for them.

Ebiowei looked sharp in a brief cameo as a substitute against Arsenal recently and is fancied to make his mark with a goal on Tuesday if he is given a chance to showcase his ability against Oxford.

Burnley relinquished a 3-1 lead in their Championship clash with Blackpool on Saturday to draw 3-3, but they shouldn’t have any such concerns at Shrewsbury.

The change in style Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is seeking to implement at Turf Moor will take time to bear fruit but there is undoubtedly star quality in his Clarets side.

Opponents Shrewsbury have won just one of their five league games this term and were beaten 3-0 by Ipswich at the weekend. The Shrews finished 18th in League One last season and look destined for a similar outcome this time around.

A pre-season meeting yielded a 3-1 win for Kompany’s Burnley and a similar result looks on the cards on Tuesday.

Blackburn seemed unable to find the net at times towards the end of last season, so Rovers fans will be pleased by the start Jon Dahl Tomasson's men have made to the new campaign.

An opening 1-0 win over QPR was followed by consecutive wins of 3-0, 4-0 and 2-1 in all competitions, although back-to-back 3-0 defeats to Reading and Sheffield United have taken a little shine off that excellent start.

Rovers head to Bradford seeking a return to winning ways against a Bantams side who have struggled for consistency in the early exchanges.

The match-betting prices look about right so banking on goals could be the way to go. Three of Bradford’s last five matches and all of Blackburn’s last five have featured at least three goals and another open affair seems likely.

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