Top football tips for Tuesday: Four expert predictions from West Brom, Watford, Wigan, and Stoke in the EFL Cup first round. Read on to view today’s best bets, analysis, and our value Daily Super Double for added returns.
Let’s now dive into the top football tips of the day.
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📊 Three Key Stats Behind Today’s Picks
- Stoke have won four of their last five EFL Cup home matches by at least two goals.
- Watford have avoided defeat in five of their last six home games against Norwich.
- Wigan have scored three or more goals in three of their last five competitive home matches.
West Bromwich Albion vs Derby County
Expert: Steve Harrington; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
West Bromwich Albion head into this EFL Cup meeting in far higher spirits than Derby County after starting their league campaign with a composed 1-0 home win against Blackburn. Ryan Mason is expected to rotate, but the likely introduction of Josh Maja gives the Baggies extra bite in attack.
Derby’s injury issues mean John Eustace is having to juggle his line-up, with key absentees in both defence and attack. Although the Rams have had recent success against West Brom, their squad depth is not as strong, and their loss to Stoke highlighted structural weaknesses.
West Brom have enough creativity in midfield to supply Maja and Devante Cole, and their ability to press aggressively at home should force mistakes from a makeshift Derby backline. Cup matches at The Hawthorns often see Albion on the front foot, and this should be no different.
Best bet – West Bromwich Albion to Win to Nil
West Bromwich Albion to Win to Nil | |
39/20 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning West Brom have the depth and home strength to exploit Derby’s injuries and defensive frailties. Maja’s likely start adds cutting edge, and Mason’s side should control proceedings from the outset, shutting down a weakened Rams attack. | |
Watford vs Norwich City
Expert: John Pentin; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Watford showed flashes of attacking promise despite their late defeat to Charlton in the Championship opener. With new signing Nestory Irankunda offering direct wing play, Paulo Pezzolano’s side have the pace to trouble Norwich’s back three.
Norwich dominated possession in their 2-1 defeat to Millwall but were undone by defensive lapses and slow recovery transitions. Liam Manning is still integrating 11 summer recruits, and rotation here could harm cohesion further.
The Hornets’ ability to break quickly, especially at Vicarage Road, could see them catch Norwich off-guard. If Watford score first, their defensive shape should be enough to frustrate a Canaries side that still lacks fluency in the final third. The home crowd’s influence is another intangible that could swing momentum their way.
Best bet – Watford Draw No Bet
Watford Draw No Bet | |
4/6 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Norwich’s slow defensive recovery and Watford’s pace on the flanks make a Hornets home win a real possibility. Pezzolano’s men can exploit gaps on the counter, and with the fans behind them, they have the edge. | |
Wigan Athletic vs Notts County
Expert: Herrin Kendrick; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Wigan’s dreadful EFL Cup record belies their current opportunity. Against a Notts County side missing six players and short on confidence, Ryan Lowe’s men have a perfect platform to progress.
Despite losing at Leyton Orient, Wigan created enough chances to suggest their attack is functioning. The partnership of Paul Mullin and Joe Costelloe could thrive against a County defence that has struggled to keep clean sheets since the spring.
County’s need to chase the game if they fall behind could open more space for Wigan’s transitions. At home, and with greater physicality across the pitch, the Latics should have too much quality.
Best bet – Wigan Athletic to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Wigan Athletic to Win & Over 2.5 Goals | |
37/20 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Wigan’s attacking quality and County’s defensive frailty point towards a home win with goals. Mullin and Costelloe can exploit the visitors’ absentees, and if Wigan score early, the game could open up further. | |
Stoke City vs Walsall
Expert: Tyler Morris; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Mark Robins’ Stoke City impressed in their 3-1 win over Derby, showing fluid attacking combinations and defensive organisation. Even with rotation expected, they have the squad depth to dominate League Two Walsall.
The Saddlers’ narrow defeat to Gillingham exposed the limits of their squad depth. Although Brandon Comley’s return adds steel in midfield, Walsall will struggle to cope with Stoke’s physical and technical superiority.
Expect Stoke to press high early, pinning Walsall back and forcing errors in dangerous areas. Once ahead, their ability to manage possession should keep the visitors from building momentum, paving the way for a comfortable victory.
Best bet – Stoke City Half-Time/Full-Time
Stoke City Half-Time/Full-Time | |
17/10 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Stoke’s home dominance and quality advantage should show from the outset. By pressing early, they can take control before half-time and manage the game to the finish against a Walsall side lacking the same intensity. | |
🧲 Tuesday Super Double
Two value plays from today’s fixtures for those seeking a combined punt:
- Josh Maja to Score Anytime (West Brom vs Derby)
- Over 2.5 Goals (Wigan vs Notts County)
Acca Rationale:
Today’s Super Double focuses on attacking potential and key individual threats. Josh Maja’s movement and finishing make him a strong anytime scorer pick against Derby’s patched-up defence, while Wigan’s firepower and County’s defensive lapses point to an open, high-scoring game. Combining them offers balanced risk with solid value.
Tuesday’s Super Double | |
4/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Today’s Super Double focuses on attacking potential and key individual threats. Josh Maja’s movement and finishing make him a strong anytime scorer pick against Derby’s patched-up defence, while Wigan’s firepower and County’s defensive lapses point to an open, high-scoring game. Combining them offers balanced risk with solid value. | |
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