Tuesday's EFL Cup & Football League predictions: Toffees may come unstuck

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Tuesday's matches in the EFL Cup and the Football League.

When to bet

Kick-offs 7.45pm

Best bets

QPR to qualify
1pt 15-8 Betfair & Power

Watford
1pt EvsBetfair & Coral

Plymouth or draw double chance
2pts 10-11 Hills

Charlton draw no bet
2pts 4-5bet365, Betfred & Hills

Verdict

QPR are the second highest scorers in the Championship with 16 goals in eight games and their lively attack gives them a decent chance of toppling Everton in the EFL Cup third round.

The trip to west London comes at a tricky time for Everton, who were humbled 3-0 at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez's side looked toothless without injured attackers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison and their defence crumbed as Villa helped themselves to three goals in ten second-half minutes.

The Everton manager may look to freshen up his side but effective alternatives – particularly in attacking areas – are thin on the ground.

QPR should sense an opportunity as they strive to advance beyond the third round for the first time since 2008-09.

Mark Warburton's side slipped to eighth in the Championship after successive 2-1 losses away to Bournemouth and at home to Bristol City but they are still playing some enterprising football and creating lots of chances.

Saturday's loss to Bristol City was tough to stomach after QPR won the shot count 26 to nine, but they may have better luck against the Toffees.

Another Premier League versus Championship clash takes place at Vicarage Road where Watford look worthy favourites to topple Stoke.

The Hornets were among the busiest operators in the transfer market and have assembled a strong squad with depth in all areas.

Watford boss Xisco Munoz made seven changes for the EFL second-round tie at home to Crystal Palace, which his team won 1-0, and another much-changed Hornets side should be too strong for the Potters, who lost at Fulham and Derby on their last two road trips.

The evening's big game in League One pitches Portsmouth against Plymouth in a contest which has become known as the Dockyard derby.

There could be a surprise in store and Plymouth are worth backing to avoid defeat.

Argyle's flying start to the season – 14 points from seven games – has been fully merited and can continue at the expense of struggling Pompey, who have lost their last three league fixtures.

Elsewhere in the third tier Charlton look overpriced to see off fellow strugglers Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium.

Charlton boss Nigel Adkins is under massive pressure but he can come up with a winning formula against the injury-hit Gills, who were unable to fill their bench for Saturday's 4-1 loss at home to MK Dons.

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