Having opened their Championship account with a narrow victory over Millwall on Friday evening, Nottingham Forest kick-start their EFL Cup campaign with a home tie against League One side Shrewsbury Town. Manager Mark Warburton will be looking to avoid any giant killing at the County Ground on Tuesday evening, however the former Rangers boss may well choose to make wholesale changes to his starting line-up from last time around.
Football League Cup First round– City Ground, West Bridgford – Tuesday 8th August July – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 11/4 at Betway |
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Nottingham Forest
Shrewsbury TownWith Shrewsbury having only narrowly avoided relegation to League Two last season, a large amount of money is expected to be placed on Forest making is safely through to the next round. As a result, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, as well as our top tip for the encounter. Taking into account the players involved, the form of the two clubs and the motivation levels involved, our expert tips are certainly worth taking advantage of.
Nottingham Forest Form
Having only missed out on relegation thanks to their superior goal difference on the final day of last season, Forest will be looking for a significantly better start to the new campaign, which includes a potential run in the EFL Cup. Forest lost star striker Britt Assombalonga over the summer, former Celtic and Newcastle man Daryl Murphy will look to fill the void left, with the Irishman potentially keeping his place as Forest take on Shrewsbury on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Barrie McKay scored the winning goal on his debut following his move from Rangers, with Forest fans undoubtedly hoping that the duo can form a deadly new attacking partnership. Despite a capacity crowd not expected at the County Ground, Forest will also be aided by their home support.
Shrewsbury Town Form
As for Shrewsbury Town, manager Paul Hurst will be hoping to avoid another season in a battle for relegation, having only survived last time around by two single points. The Shrews have lost some key personnel over the summer, with Adam El-Abd, Jim O’Brien and midfielder Gary Deegan have all left for pastures new. However, having brought in some promising youngsters from both teams in the Premier League and Championship, fans at New Meadow will be hoping for vast improvements from last season. Having faced Northampton Town on Saturday, manager Hurt may also look to make changes come Tuesday’s match.
Top Betting Tip
Baring all of this information in mind, and given their standing in the game within England, it is difficult to look beyond a home win for Forest. With best odds of 4/7 from bookmakers William Hill, this is certainly a bet worth taking advantage of, with the home side set to make it through to the next round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.