Midweek tips: Eintracht Frankfurt to cause a shock in the Super Cup?

There's plenty of midweek football to preview as the League Cup first round takes place and Real Madrid take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the Super Cup.

The Nap

Manchester City are solid 3/1 favourites for the 2022/23 Carabao Cup, and had won the last four editions prior to Liverpool’s dramatic triumph last season.

The Reds under Jurgen Klopp are 13/2 second favourites after their penalty shootout success against Chelsea at Wembley last term, and will not be short of support at those odds.

Manchester United, who have not won a trophy since their Europa League final triumph over Ajax under Jose Mourinho five year ago, are expected to be in the mix under Erik ten Hag and you can get 10/1 currently on the Red Devils finally getting some silverware in the Old Trafford cabinet.

The Carabao Cup Round One action kicks off week commencing 8 August, and Blackburn could be worth a punt to blast past hapless Hartlepool.

Hartlepool have replaced Barrow as second favourite for relegation from the Football League. The Monkey Hangers have endured a chaotic pre-season, losing their Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year and bringing in a string of untested players who really could be anything.

Paul Hartley witnessed the scale of the task ahead first hand on the opening day, watching his side whacked 4-0 by Walsall. He’s brought a lot of players in from north of the border and they look like they may need time to settle.

Blackburn have started well in the Championship, and the useful Bradley Dack could be given precious minutes here. Rovers to win by more than a goal is an even money shot, and that looks a tempting bet given how shakily Pools have started their campaign.

The Nap – Blackburn (-1) to win at evens (bet365/Betfair/Coral/Paddy Power/Skybet)

 

Value Tip

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Rangers are on the brink of an early Champions League exit after goals from Teddy Teuma and Dante Vanzeir gave Union Saint-Gilloise a 2-0 advantage in Belgium last week. To be fair to the Gers the penalty given against them was an absolute shocker, but on the balance of play, the Belgian side deserved their win. Van Bronckhorst didn’t hold back in his assessment of his players after the defeat, insisting they were fortunate to leave Belgium with just a two-goal deficit. However, we know Rangers are better than that.

It’s essentially only half-time and Ibrox has witnessed some famous old European nights down the years, with last season’s exciting journey to the Europa League final still fresh in the memory.

Rangers have the chance to recover the tie on Tuesday, and while a vast improvement will be required, the job is not beyond them. They are a whopping 20/1 to win 3-0 with Hills and progress (the same bet is 12/1 with some firms) and such a score line is not beyond the realms of fantasy.

Value Tip – Rangers to win 3-0 at 20/1 (Hills)

 

First Goal Flutter

Sheffield Wednesday were left heartbroken in the League One playoffs by Sunderland back in May, and the Owls face the Black Cats again in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The stakes are obviously not as high (Sunderland went on to win the playoffs and finally escapade life in League One) but Wednesday will have revenge in mind against Alex Neil’s men. Sheffield

Wednesday are among the favourites in the League One betting, and have made a satisfactory start to the 2022/23 campaign without blowing anyone away.

However, Ross Stewart looks a tempting punt at 9/2 to score first at Hillsborough. The Scottish striker weighed in with 26 goals last season, including a crucial winner against Wednesday in the first leg of the playoffs at the Stadium of Light.

First Goal Flutter – Stewart to score first at 9/2 (bet365)

 

The Euro Banker 

Eintracht Frankfurt could be worth a bet to land the European Super Cup next Wednesday. Real Madrid have a side full of household names, but the German side are further ahead in terms of their fitness preparation.

Frankfurt's Europa League win last season included a victory over Barcelona at the Camp Nou, and they won’t be fazed by a match of this magnitude. Boss Oliver Glasner is one of the most progressive young coaches in Europe, and privately he will be relishing the chance to go head-to-head with legendary Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Madrid have added to their side in the shape of Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni, but players take time to settle and Die Adler (The Eagles) were absolutely superb as a counter-attacking force last season and look worth a play here at 11/2.

The Euro Banker – Eintracht Frankfurt to win at 11/2 (Bet Victor/Coral/Ladbrokes)