The 2025/26 EFL Cup continues this midweek, as Accrington Stanley play host to Oldham in the preliminary stage on Tuesday night.
The FA were forced to introduce a qualifying round for this year’s competition due to the amount of Premier League teams that have continental commitments this season.
Both sides will come into this cup tie fresh off the back of getting their respective English League Two campaigns up and running on Saturday.
Host Accrington were held to a 1-1 draw by Gillingham in their opening league of the season at the weekend.
As for Oldham, they battled their way to a hard-fought 0-0 draw away from home against title favourites MK Dons last time out.
The two teams now face a quick turnaround for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie, the winner of which will progress to play Peterborough in the first round.
How the bookies view it: Tough tie to call
The bookmakers make this midweek cup clash a pick 'em, with both the home win and away win trading at 6/4 on Boylesports.
A 90 minute draw would send this match straight to a penalty shootout, an outcome which can be backed at an attractive 23/10 with Boylesports.
Head to head: Duo evenly-matched
Accrington Stanley and Oldham have previously crossed paths on six occasions, with both teams posting three wins apiece. The one and only EFL Cup encounter was back in 2021, with Oldham running out 3-0 winners that evening.
Players to watch: Two from two for Tyler?
After hitting nine goals for Accrington Stanley last season, Tyler Walton opened up his account for the new campaign at the first time of asking against Gillingham on Saturday. Therefore, the Reds winger looks the standout option for an anytime strike here at 3/1 on Bet 365.
Mike Fondop hit 17 goals for Oldham in the National League last season, making him the obvious candidate to consider for the away side as far as an anytime goalscorer option is concerned. Fondop can be backed at 13/5 with Bet 365.
Predicted line-ups
Accrington boss John Doolan has no reported injury or suspension issues to contend with, however he could use this cup tie as an opportunity to shuffle his pack.
As was the case on Saturday, Oldham will once again be without defender Stefan Stam who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
Accrington Stanley: Kelly; Rawson, Matthews, Coyle; Sinclair, Woods, Grant, Love; Walton; Caton, Whalley
Oldham: Hudson; Ogle, Monthe, Daniels; Leake, Morris, Evans, Pett; Fondop, Garner, Waters
Anything else catch the eye?
Given that this competition may not be top of either club’s priority list so early in the season, a low-scoring affair could be in store at the Wham Stadium.
A bet on Under 2.5 Goals would have paid out in both teams matches at the weekend and a repeat here holds appeal at 10/11 on Boylesports.
Splitting stakes on either side to win on penalties could be worthy of longshot consideration at an eye-catching 5/1 with Bet 365.
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