Wednesday'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 Wednesday.

When to bet

Kick-offs 7.45pm

Best bets

Rotherham
1pt 5-4 bet365, Hills

Blackburn-Blackburn double result
1pt 21-20BoyleSports, Coral, Ladbrokes

Verdict

Rotherham started life back in the Championship with a solid 1-1 draw at home to Swansea and they can take advantage of a drop in class when tackling League One hosts Port Vale in the EFL Cup first round.

The Millers have been a yo-yo club in recent times – winning three promotions and suffering three relegations over the last six seasons.

Championship survival will be Rotherham's priority and they were denied the chance to put more points on the board at the weekend when Sunday's scheduled fixture at Coventry was postponed due to an inadequate playing surface.

The lack of action might persuade Millers' manager Paul Warne to select a few more of his first-teamers for EFL Cup duty and that could increase the chances of an away win.

Vale approach the match on a low after they were hammered 4-0 at Exeter on Saturday and they may suffer a second defeat in five days.

A gulf in class could also be evident at Ewood Park where Championship leaders Blackburn take on League Two strugglers Hartlepool.

Rovers won 3-0 at Swansea on Saturday and a fast start can pave the way to success over Pools, who are yet to score a goal this season.

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