With the EFL Cup stealing most of the midweek headlines, a host of Premier League clubs will take centre stage on Wednesday night.
Watching the likes of Chelsea get their EFL Cup adventure underway in west London, we have found a pair of intriguing fixtures that are worth keeping an eye out for.
19:45 Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon
Having to settle for what was an infamous bottom-half finish last season and failing to book any kind of European adventure, Chelsea find themselves at the heart of a real transition this summer. Turning to Mauricio Pochettino in an attempt to steady the ship at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are still trying to fully find their feet under the former Tottenham boss.
However, making an immediate return to winning ways last weekend as they collected their first Premier League victory thanks to a routine 3-0 romp against Luton, Wednesday’s hosts will be looking to use that display in SW6 as a platform to build on.
With it no secret that the former Premier League champions have their sights set on booking a lucrative top-four return this time around, Chelsea also landed their first domestic home victory since a 1-0 win against Leeds way back on March 4th.
While Pochettino might be expected to make a string of changes to his stacked squad on Wednesday night, the Blues are rightfully tipped as a runaway contender here.
Although AFC Wimbledon might have been forced to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Forest Green over the weekend, Johnnie Jackson’s men have certainly made a string of improvements since returning from the summer break.
Despite being firmly at the heart of a League Two relegation scrap last season, the ex-Charlton boss has not seen his resurgent squad suffer a single defeat from any of their opening six appearances across all formats.
In the midst of their longest unbeaten run since opening 2023, some around Plough Lane could now be dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine play-off charge this time around.
However, although the mood in AFC Wimbledon’s camp is certainly at the recent high, Jackson’s side face what will be a monumental challenge at Stamford Bridge in midweek.
Betting Tip: Chelsea win to nil @ 4/5 with Pribet
19:45 Nottingham Forest vs Burnley
Only just clinging to their Premier League status last season after making their top-flight return, Nottingham Forest are simply seeking a far more stable campaign this time around. While Steve Cooper’s men might have largely failed to find much fluidity last season, Wednesday’s hosts will be desperate to lay down an EFL Cup marker here when they get their adventure underway.
Missing out on what was a golden chance to spring a major Premier League upset over the weekend as they eventually slumped to a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United, the former Swansea boss is calling on his side to claim an immediate boost on home soil.
Claiming their only top-flight victory of the season on August 18th as they landed a dramatic 2-1 win against Sheffield United, the one-time European champions should take some solace from their continued success at the City Ground.
Including a famous 1-0 victory against Arsenal on May 20th, it should be highlighted that Cooper’s side have now won each of their last four Premier League showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 10-5.
Although Forest might still be seeking some much-needed defensive resolve, Wednesday’s hosts should be smelling an EFL Cup opportunity here.
While Burnley might have gained a string of plaudits as they breezed their way to an immediate Premier League return, Vincent Kompany’s men have struggled to deal with the drastic step up in class.
Opening up the 2023/24 campaign with a routine 3-0 drumming at home against reigning champions Manchester City, the Clarets are yet to put a single point on the board.
Last seen over the weekend getting hit with a 3-1 loss at the hands of Aston Villa, the ex-City skipper will have a growing headache over his side’s recent issues at the back.
Betting Tip: Nottingham Forest win @ 11/8 with Luckster
Wednesday’s EFL Cup Double
- Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon – Chelsea win to nil @ 4/5
- Nottingham Forest vs Burnley – Nottingham Forest win @ 11/8
Place a £10 bet on our Daily Double with Vegas Land and pocket £42.75 if all predictions are correct.
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