Sunderland v Sheffield Wednesday
Carabao Cup. Thursday August 16. Kick-off 7.45pm. Live on Sky Sports.
THE Carabao Cup returns this week and while it would be a gross exaggeration to say fans are excited for it there’s little doubt punters will sink their teeth into the plethora of games available.
With all but one of the first-round ties taking place on Tuesday, the Black Cats welcome Sheffield Wednesday, which may warrant Thursday's sole game more attention.
Newly-relegated Sunderland have had a fairly solid start to their new life in League One, coming from behind to steal a win from Charlton on the opening day and taking a point on the road from Luton.
Sheffield Wednesday, however, have not started as brightly in the Championship, losing to promoted Wigan away and picking up a point at home to Hull.
From each team’s first two games in the new campaign, two stats stand out to me. Firstly, both teams have scored in all 4 games. You can back both teams scoring Thursday night at 7-10 with Bet365. Secondly, each of the four games have seen goals in both halves. A goal in both halves can be backed at 8-11 with Sky Bet.
With both teams undoubtedly focusing on matters in the league, it could be a chance for some fringe players to get a runout. For this reason, I would suggest to check team news before placing any bets, but I also believe it could pave the way for goals.
In Sheffield Wednesday’s opener at Wigan, both teams scored in both halves. Certainly a “bonkers bet” style line but it can be backed at a rather large 14-1 with Sky Bet.
Despite being a tier below Sheffield Wednesday the bookies have Sunderland down as favourites in a tight affair.
Although I do expect wholesale changes I’m expecting Wednesday to put up a fight and if you feel Wednesday to win is too risky at 2-1 with bet365 then perhaps consider the Draw No Bet line at Evens with Sky Bet.
Recommended Bets
- BTTS (7-10, bet365)
- Goal in Both Halves (8-11, Sky Bet)
- Wednesday DNB (Evens, Sky Bet)
- BTTS and Over 2.5 (6-5, Sky Bet)
Bonkers Bet
- BTTS in Both Halves (14-1, Sky Bet)
In December 2020 we sadly 
Sky Bet have price boosted our bonkers bet out to 18/1 now! They like to price boost things they don’t think will win of course, but just an update.
Not the worst of evenings. Considering Sunderland were favourites I’m disappointed they didn’t even score, but that’s cup football for you. Goal in both halves came in as did Wednesday DNB at evens – well done to anyone who braved the straight win. On to the weekend we go
I think Sunderland had quite a few kids out going by what Ross said afterwards.
Yeah I expected both to make heavy changes which is why I still thought Wednesday would be stronger, I guess Sunderland are fully focusing on promotion – don’t blame them.