Nick Hext is backing Nottingham Forest to win at Newcastle as tonight's best bet in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
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Best bet
Nottingham Forest to beat Newcastle (Wednesday, 1945 BST)
It has been an underwhelming return to the Premier League for Newcastle and I reckon it will be more misery for the Magpies when they host Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. Rafael Benitez spoke of his frustration in the transfer market after Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield but he won't have any extra strength in his squad for this contest. Forest have made a more impressive start than I expected to the new Sky Bet Championship campaign. Mark Warburton's men have won four of their opening five games and a season without a relegation struggle would be a big improvement - they were in dire trouble on the final day last term. Warburton will make changes to his team but 6/1 is just too big for the surprise here. Newcastle's priority is Saturday's game at home to West Ham, their last match before the international break and Forest can take advantage.
TV games
West Ham (+1) to beat Cheltenham (Wednesday, 1945 BST, Sky Sports Football)
West Ham are once again on the road as they travel to Cheltenham of Sky Bet League Two for Wednesday night's live Carabao Cup game on Sky Sports. The Hammers are still waiting for the London Stadium to return to football after this summer's World Athletics Championships so the LCI Rail Stadium gets the call to host this one. I reckon West Ham will get the job done easily against the Robins. Both Manchester United and Southampton in the Premier League have beaten the Hammers but they'll be able to deliver in this tie. Cheltenham lost 2-1 at home to Swansea Under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy and this challenge is even tougher, so the home side with a one-goal disadvantage on the handicap at odds-against is the advice.
Over 4.5 goals in Sheffield United v Leicester (Tuesday, 1945 BST, Sky Sports Football)
Sheffield United's clash against Leicester is the opening Carabao Cup pick from Sky Sports in the second round. It's a surprise selection as there will be plenty of experimentation from both managers but that might mean quite a bit of entertainment. Blades boss Chris Wilder made 11 changes for the clash against Walsall in the first round but there was still lots of action as his side secured a 3-2 victory. I'm expecting Foxes chief Craig Shakespeare to use a similar approach so it's worth taking a chance on goals galore at Bramall Lane. Take a look at over 4.5 at odds in excess of 5/1.
Selections to consider
Under 1.5 goals in Blackburn v Burnley (Wednesday, 1945 BST)
The tie of the round is played on Wednesday night as Blackburn host Burnley in what should be a feisty East Lancashire derby at Ewood Park. Sky Bet League One's Blackburn are outsiders at upwards of 2/1 to defeat their Premier League opponents but I reckon this match will be tighter than the odds suggest. Blackburn are boosted by their first win of the league season as they beat Bradford 1-0 on Saturday. Burnley lost 1-0 at home to West Brom at the weekend and I reckon this will be another match low on goals. One goal will be enough to seal victory and I wouldn't be shocked if extra-time or even penalties are required. Go under 1.5 goals at around 5/2 with most firms.
Both teams to score in Accrington v West Brom (Tuesday, 1945 BST)
West Brom have been handed a tricky trip to Accrington on Tuesday night. Stanley of Sky Bet League Two beat Burnley 1-0 at this stage of last season's competition so they have recent memories of an upset. I think this will be a tougher test against the Baggies but Accrington can still run their Premier League opponents close. Accrington have won all three of their home games this term without keeping a clean sheet. I think they'll come up just short in the bid to claim a fourth success on their own turf but both teams to score at evens is worth considering. Baggies boss Tony Pulis is sure to alter his defence and Stanley can pose problems in the final third.
Sheffield Wednesday to beat Bolton (Tuesday, 2000 BST)
Bolton have endured a tough start in their return to Sky Bet Championship. Wanderers have lost both of their home games this season and I think Sheffield Wednesday can makes it three home defeats in a row for Phil Parkinson's side. Wednesday claimed an impressive 1-0 win at Fulham on Saturday after making an inconsistent start to the campaign. Boss Carlos Carvalhal has a much stronger squad at his disposal than Tuesday night's opponents and that is sure to count. Wednesday are well worth support as favourites at odds-against across the board.
Posted at 1440 BST on 21/08/17.
