Carabao Cup Second Round: Three Games to Look Out For

The League Cup is now well underway, with several fixtures approaching this midweek. Due to the high number of teams in England qualifying for European competitions last season, the second round does not have quite the same Premier League firepower as before.

Nevertheless, some fixtures could provide entertaining watches, especially regarding the Championship sides. Here are three League Cup matches to turn your attention to this week:

Millwall v Coventry City

Tuesday night sees Millwall take on Coventry at the Den. Although to many this will seem like a regular fixture for these two clubs, both sides have started the season strongly. Millwall have registered six points from three Championship games, whilst Coventry have registered seven.

Millwall have found success this season and last at being pragmatic, hard to beat and stubborn when finding a lead. Meanwhile, Coventry have already proven their free-scoring ability, having beaten QPR 7-1 at home in their most recent league fixture.

As both clubs are of playoff contention quality this season, it will be interesting to see what differences are made in their respective playing styles. Particularly if both clubs are most likely going to rotate many of their starting players.

Prediction: Although Millwall will likely further impress this season under the skilled Alex Neil, their individual quality may not shine against a free-scoring side like Frank Lampard’s Coventry. 2-1 victory for Coventry.

Norwich City v Southampton

Another all-Championship affair sees Norwich City face Southampton at Carrow Road. This time, both clubs will be seeking a victory after both having slow starts to the season. Southampton will be looking to kick on after their disappointing 2-1 defeat to 10-man Stoke City at the weekend, whilst Norwich are yet to win at home this season.

It has been a summer of significant change at both clubs. Will Still has joined the Saints and looks to try and put the club back into contention for promotion. Meanwhile, Liam Manning’s Norwich City are still seeking adjustment after making a wealth of new signings. 

Once again, these are two clubs that hold excellent Championship quality, and both are likely to be at the top end of the table come the end of the season. The two sides will be seeking a win to help boost their form.

Prediction: Both sides will likely put out a highly rotated squad for this game. However, Norwich’s squad depth is reasonably sufficient at this level. I predict a 2-1 victory for the yellows.

Grimsby Town v Manchester United

Wednesday night sees the most notable fixture of the round as League Two’s Grimsby Town take on the ever-notable Manchester United. 

Manchester United make their return to Blundell Park, the home of the Mariners, for the first time since 1948. For this reason, and the gulf that exists between these clubs, the game should be, for the most part, entertaining even if the idea of a giant-killing is a little bit remote.

Grimsby Town sit 4th in League Two, remaining unbeaten since the start of the season. Manchester United, however, have only recorded a point in the Premier League so far after a flat 1-1 draw with Fulham at the weekend.

Prediction: Manchester United need to take the opportunity to kick-start their season here. They should be ruthless in front of the sold-out Blundell Park. I predict 4-1 for Ruben Amorim’s side.