Wednesday's EFL Cup third round predictions, betting odds and tips: Toffees can contribute to Villa Park goal tally

When to bet

Kick-offs 7.45pm Wednesday

Best bets

Over 3.5 goals in Aston Villa v Everton
7.45pm Wednesday
1pt 21-10 Betfair

Cardiff to beat Blackburn
7.45pm Wednesday
1pt 11-4 bet365, BoyleSports

Brighton to beat Chelsea
7.45pm Wednesday
2pts 9-5 bet365

Wednesday EFL Cup predictions

Team news is always significant in the early rounds of the EFL Cup so it could pay for punters to swerve short-priced selections until the line-ups are confirmed on Wednesday.

Everton had to come from behind to edge past League Two Doncaster 2-1 in the second round and they travel to Villa Park, where they were thumped 4-0 by Aston Villa in their second Premier League fixture of the season.

The Toffees' defence can expect a tough evening against Villa, who won 1-0 at Chelsea at the weekend and had scored 20 times in their previous seven games in all competitions.

However, Everton claimed their first league win of the season at the weekend, a confidence-boosting 3-1 victory at Brentford, and over 3.5 goals is worth a bet at Villa.

Blackburn were beaten 4-3 by highflying Ipswich in a thrilling Championship clash at Portman Road on Saturday and another intriguing contest is likely when they host in-form Cardiff.

The Bluebirds triumphed 3-1 at Birmingham in the EFL Cup second round and have won four of their last five league games - the exception was a 3-2 defeat at Ipswich where they had led 2-0.

Erol Bulut's men also let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Leeds in their opening league fixture and conceded an injury-time goal in a 2-1 loss at title favourites Leicester so they look a big price to win at Ewood Park.

Brighton reached the FA Cup semi-final last season and won 3-1 at Arsenal in the EFL Cup and they look a tempting bet to deepen Chelsea's woes.

The Seagulls are ten points clear of the Blues after just six league matches, having beaten them 4-1 and 2-1 in the top flight last season, and Mauricio Pochettino's hosts, already hampered by injuries, are missing suspended full-back Malo Gusto. 

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