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26/04 - 19:45
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27/04 - 12:30
27/04 - 12:30
27/04 - 13:00
27/04 - 15:00
27/04 - 15:15
27/04 - 12:30
26/04 - 20:00
27/04 - 13:00
27/04 - 15:15
26/04 - 19:00
26/04 - 20:00
The Carabao Cup is back in full force over the next few days as the EFL clubs face each other in the first round of the tournament.
Of course, there’s a long way to go before the final in February 2023 and for the clubs of ‘the 72’ such an occasion is a rarity. But still, the dream has to begin somewhere.
There have already been one of the 35 games of the first round when Championship side Millwall went down to a 1-0 defeat against League One’s Cambridge United.
Here, Playmaker will have a look at some interesting ties still to be played over the next few days...
Blackpool v Barrow AFC
This is a rare meeting between the two teams from the North West. Although they played in the EFL Trophy two years ago, you’d have to go all the way back to 1925 for a previous encounter.
MK Dons v Sutton United
Two teams who looked great for much of last season but haven’t managed to record a win in the first two rounds so far. The Dons lost both of their games and will be hoping not to suffer a third in a row – this time against League Two opposition in the cup.
Meanwhile, Sutton were one of the feel-good stories of last season after managing to make it to a Wembley final against Rotherham United and just missed out on the play-offs. Not bad for your first-ever Football League season, but can they keep it up?
Norwich City v Birmingham City
Dean Smith’s team have surprisingly not yet picked up a win in their first two Championship games this season, having drawn one and lost one. Meanwhile, Birmingham have started much better – drawing on the opening day with Luton and defeating Huddersfield last weekend.
A cup game may mean that we get to see the promising Jobe Bellingham in action, although Blues fans haven’t seen their side defeat the canaries in six years.
Middlesbrough v Barnsley
Barnsley won just six games in the Championship last season, which is why they’re currently in League One. But one of those wins came against Boro back in February with the Tykes winning 3-2.
Perhaps Barnsley can catch Middlesbrough out again on Wednesday. Chris Wilder’s team haven’t managed a victory in their opening games yet and lost 3-2 to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday despite making a spirited comeback. It could be an intriguing tie between the two clubs.
Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland
However, the Owls are strongly tipped for promotion to the Championship this season and they can demonstrate their credentials against Sunderland in the cup.
West Bromwich Albion v Sheffield United
Looking at much more recent history: when West Brom hosted the Blades at the Hawthorns almost a year ago they won comfortably 4-0, although Billy Sharp led United to victory in the reverse fixture back in February.
Both of these teams will be aiming for a Championship play-off place at the least with dreams of returning to the top flight so it will be fascinating to see how they square up.
Ready for Round One! 👊#EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/Nq5b7ypTL4
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) August 9, 2022
