EFL Cup first-round betting preview, predictions and free tips

7.45pm Tuesday

Accrington Stanley v Sunderland

Sunderland have started their pursuit of promotion from Sky Bet League One in mediocre fashion but a reshuffled side can get their first win of the season away to Accrington in the League Cup.

The Black Cats have opened their season with 1-1 stalemates against Oxford and then Ipswich, who are expected to be among their main competitors for promotion.

They came from behind in both of those games and, as Jack Ross begins to gauge what his best side looks like, he is expected to inject some fresh legs into the team.

Grant Leadbitter, Max Power and Chris Maguire could all be given starting roles against a Stanley outfit who lost their opener to newly-promoted Lincoln before their match with Bury was postponed.

Only Portsmouth (43) collected more points on the road than Sunderland (39) last season in League One and this assignment should help the Black Cats kick-start their season.

Recommendation
Sunderland
1pt 13-10 Betfred, Coral, Ladbrokes
Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Mansfield Town v Morecambe

These two sides met as recently as Saturday in Sky Bet League Two as Mansfield came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 but the Stags can get it right from the start this time around.

John Dempster's side dominated the statistics, winning the shot count 18-8 and seeing 58 per cent of the ball, but their chances of collecting maximum points were hindered by a late red card awarded to defender Matt Preston.

Recommendation
Mansfield
1pt 3-4 general
Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Huddersfield Town v Lincoln City

Lincoln are no strangers to punching above their weight and they could cause an upset away to Huddersfield.

The Imps, promoted from League Two last term, have started life in England's third tier with back-to-back wins to nil.

Jan Siewert's side, meanwhile, have struggled to recover from last term's relegation, taking a point from their opening two games.

The loss of Aaron Mooy on loan to Brighton could hinder Town long-term and, with focus on regaining form in the league, they look worth opposing.

Recommendation
Lincoln or draw double chance
1pt 31-20 Coral
Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

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