Wednesday's EFL Trophy predictions: betting preview and free football tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Wednesday's Papa John's Trophy matches.

When to bet

Kick-offs from 7pm Wednesday

Best bets

Exeter
1pt 21-20 general

Forest Green
1pt 8-5 Betfred, Boylesports, Hills

Verdict

Exeter and Bristol Rovers both netted late goals to secure draws in the FA Cup over the weekend but it is the Grecians that are fancied to come out on top of their winner-takes-all EFL Trophy tie.

Both sides sit on three points after two games, and with Chelsea Under-21s already guaranteed to advance, whoever comes out on top at St James Park will join the Blues in the next round.

Exeter have lost just once in 17 games in all competitions and have started to convert their high number of draws into victories recently, winning their last three league games.

Bristol Rovers have recovered to a degree from their poor start to the season, but have still won just one of their last six games.

Exeter were 4-1 victors when the two sides met in the league in August and there are plenty of signs that they can pull off the double to advance to the knockout stages.

Forest Green were the victims of probably the biggest shock of the first round of the FA Cup, losing 3-2 on Sunday to National League South side St Albans City in front of the television cameras.

However, they can bounce back immediately against Wallsall in the EFL Trophy.

The Saddlers are already guaranteed to progress to the knockout stage and are likely to have one eye on their weekend league game with Harrogate as a result.

Forest Green, on the other hand, must win or secure a score draw to usurp Brighton Under-21s and get through to the knockout stages.

Rob Edwards’s side are unbeaten in eight away league games this season, including a 3-1 victory at the Bescot Stadium in August, and the League Two table-toppers can atone for their FA Cup defeat with a victory here.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport