With the EFL Cup getting back underway on Tuesday night, we are treated to another stacked schedule from across the continent.
Watching the likes of Barcelona trying and extend their buffer at the top of the La Liga table when they travel to Mallorca, we have taken a look at a pair of intriguing fixtures that are worth keeping an eye out for.
19:45 Ipswich vs Wolves
While Ipswich might have only made their Championship return this season, the Blues find themselves in the midst of what has quickly become a real fairytale. Continuing on a remarkable rise since they welcomed Kieran McKenna to Portman Road, Tuesday’s hosts will be smelling the chance to spring an EFL Cup upset here.
Already battling it out in the automatic promotion places and tipped as a genuine contender to secure back-to-back promotions this season, the former Manchester United coach finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high.
Last seen over the weekend putting in another action-packed display as they eventually claimed a 4-3 victory against Blackburn, Ipswich have remarkably won nine of their opening 10 appearances across all competitions.
Heading into September’s international break with an eye-catching 3-2 win against a high-flying Cardiff, Ipswich should be excited by Wolves’ arrival here.
While Tuesday’s guests might have clung to their Premier League status last season, it is no secret that the Midlands-based outfit are dealing with a string of issues behind the scenes.
Watching Julen Lopetegui walk out of the club just days before the 2023/24 campaign got underway, it appears that Gary O’Neil has a real job on his hands at Mollineaux.
Missing out on a golden opportunity over the weekend as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Premier League returns Luton, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his side muster just a single win from their opening five top-flight showdowns.
Likewise, although Wolves might have snatched a 1-0 victory away at Everton last month, that is the only Premier League win that they have collected away from Mollineaux from their previous 12 attempts a run that stems all the way back to the start of February.
In fact, mustering just a pair of away wins throughout the whole this calendar year, Wolves face what could be a real banana skin at Portman Road in midweek.
Betting Tip: Ipswich to qualify @ 1/1 with
20:30 Mallorca vs Barcelona
Mounting what was a famous late comeback in Catalonia over the weekend as they snatched a 3-2 victory at home against Celta Vigo, Barcelona have continued to shine since opening the 2023/24 campaign. Making real history last season as they got their hands on a first La Liga crown since 2019, Tuesday’s guests have their sights firmly set on defending their domestic title this time around.
Likely to still be boosted by that remarkable turnaround a few days ago, Xavi’s side have won each of their previous six appearances across all competitions and have gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third.
Opening up their Champions League campaign with a routine 5-0 romp against Antwerp last week, the Spanish heavyweights have now notched a stunning 21 strikes on their six-match winning run.
Likewise, marking their return from September’s international break with another 5-0 victory against Real Betis, Xavi will be calling on the red-hot Robert Lewandowski to spearhead Barca’s charge on Tuesday night.
Including a brace against Celta Vigo over the weekend, the Polish record-breaker has now bagged eight goals in just his last seven showdowns for club and country.
On the flip side, while Mallorca might have gained a string of plaudits as they clinched a top-half finish last season, the Pirates have struggled to find a similar level this time around.
Last seen over the weekend putting in a nightmare performance as they slumped to an action-packed 5-3 defeat at the hands of Girona, Javier Aguirre’s side have claimed just a single win from their opening six La Liga appearances.
Signing off August with a 3-2 loss against Granada, the one-time Egypt boss will also be worried by a woeful record against the reigning Spanish champions.
Including a 3-0 drumming when they travelled to Catalonia back on May 28th, Mallorca have lost each of their previous 11 straight battles against Tuesday’s guests a run that stems all the way back to October 2010.
Betting Tip: Barcelona win Robert Lewandowski to score anytime @ 6/4 with
Tuesday s Daily Double
Ipswich vs Wolves Ipswich to qualify @ 1/1
Mallorca vs Barcelona Barcelona win Robert Lewandowski to score anytime @ 6/4
Place a £10 bet on our Daily Double with and pocket £50.00 if all predictions are correct.
