The Carabao Cup is back for its second round of action, with the majority of ties taking place on Tuesday 27 August. Premier League sides enter at this stage of the competition, and as a result, a number of upsets could take place. Here is your Carabao Cup preview of round two.
Carabao Cup Round Two Preview
Key Games
Northern Section – Nottingham Forest v Derby County
These two local rivals meant for the first time in this competition since 1985. It was Nottingham Forest who triumphed that day with a 2-1 victory.
Both sides have had similar starts under their new managers in the league. Forest have taken eight points from their opening five games, with two wins over Birmingham City and Fulham. Meanwhile, Derby have picked up six points under the new regime of Phillip Cocu, although have only managed the one victory.
While both Sabri Lamouchi and Phillip Cocu will likely rotate their squads for the round two ties, a feisty encounter is still to be expected at the City Ground.
Northern Section – Lincoln City v Everton
These two sides met earlier in the year, as Everton avoided an upset by defeating the Imps 2-1 at Goodison Park.
However, Everton now travel to Lincoln, a side who have already caused one upset in the tournament so far this season. Danny Cowley masterminded a narrow 1-0 win over Championship side Huddersfield Town thanks to a goal from Harry Anderson. The Lincoln manager will be looking to continue his impressive record of cup upsets with the club, as he was at the helm for their infamous 2016/17 FA Cup run to the quarter-final.
The Toffees do not boast the best Carabao Cup record in recent seasons. They have been knocked out in the third round in three of the last five season. As a result, Lincoln will fancy their chances on Tuesday night.
Southern Section – Newport County v West Ham United
Newport County are another side who boast an impressive cup record in recent seasons. In the past two seasons, they have beaten Leicester City, Middlesbrough, Leeds United and will be looking to West Ham United to their list of scalps.
The Exiles are yet to be defeated so far this season in all competitions. They have won two and drawn three of their opening five League Two games while defeating Gillingham on penalties in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
West Ham meanwhile have had a steady start to the season. After their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City on the opening day of the season, they have won one and drawn one. While they will be overwhelming favourites for the tie, they will need to wary of the threat Newport pose.
Southern Section – Fulham v Southampton
Relegated Fulham meet Southampton in both sides’ first game of the competition, due to Fulham receiving a bye to round two.
Despite a dreadful 2018/19 season which Fulham relegated from the Premier League, Southampton were one of the sides that they managed to beat, in what was Claudio Ranieri’s first game as manager.
However, now the two sides are separated by a division. Despite this, Fulham could pull off an upset to continue their good start to the season.
LWOF Predicts
Northern Section
Burton Albion 2-0 Morecambe
Crewe Alexandra 1-4 Aston Villa
Grimsby 2-1 Macclesfield Town (AET)
Leeds United 1-1 Stoke City (AET, Leeds United to win on penalties)
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Derby County
Preston North End 3-1 Hull City
Rochdale 1-2 Carlisle United
Sheffield United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers (AET)
Burnley 0-1 Sunderland
Lincoln City 1-3 Everton
Newcastle United 1-0 Leicester City
Rotherham United 0-2 Sheffield United
Southern Section
Bristol Rovers 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Cardiff City 2-0 Luton Town
Crawley Town 1-3 Norwich City
Crystal Palace 4-0 Colchester United
Fulham 2-2 Southampton (AET, Fulham to win on penalties)
Newport County 1-2 West Ham United
Oxford United 0-2 Millwall (AET)
Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Reading
Southend United 1-0 Milton Keynes Dons
Watford 3-2 Coventry City
Bournemouth 2-0 Forest Green Rovers
Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Portsmouth (AET)
Swansea City 3-1 Cambridge United
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
