EFL Cup Second Round Predictions, Preview & Free Soccer Picks for 08/30

• ⭐ Chelsea vs. Wimbledon: Over 2.5 goals (-333) at Bet365

Chelsea aim to make a stylish entry into their EFL Cup journey as they host AFC Wimbledon at Stamford Bridge this Wednesday evening. 

Although they aren't considered top contenders for the Premier League title, the Blues are undoubtedly keen to make a deep run in the League Cup. 

Maatsen, Ugochukwu, and Burstow are all in contention for a starting position, following their impactful performances off the bench in a 3-0 victory against Luton Town over the weekend. Meanwhile, players like Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Mykhaylo Mudryk continue their stint in the injury ward.

As for the Dons, they have managed to maintain an unbeaten streak in the 2023/2024 season, but facing Chelsea will undoubtedly be a more daunting challenge compared to their prior opponents. 

In this David-versus-Goliath matchup in London, anything other than a decisive win for the home team would be a significant upset. AFC Wimbledon's Jake Reeves is expected to sit out the game due to injury.

Free Football Picks: Chelsea vs. Wimbledon: Over 2.5 goals (-333) at Bet365

• ⭐ Nottingham Forest vs. Burnley: 1-1 after 90 minutes (+600) at FanDuel

In an eagerly awaited Round 2 face-off in the EFL Cup, Premier League teams Nottingham Forest and Burnley are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. 

Both teams are hungry for a victory, setting the stage for a riveting contest. The squads are remarkably evenly matched, displaying parallel strengths and tactics that make this game hard to call. As they jostle for dominance, expect a high-stakes duel where every move will be keenly contested.

Nottingham Forest will have to make do without Joe Worrall, who is serving a suspension, along with injured players like Shelvey, Monteiro, Richards, McKenna, and Hennessey. 

Burnley is also facing challenges, missing the pivotal Anass Zaroury due to suspension, and without the services of injured players Beyer and Obafemi. 

The match could very well end in a breathtaking stalemate, given the remarkable balance between the two teams, and this showdown could be one of the games of Round Two.

Free Football Picks: Nottingham Forest vs. Burnley: 1-1 after 90 minutes (+600) at FanDuel

• ⭐ Everton to win 2-0 (+550) at Draftkings

Doncaster and Everton are set to clash at Eco-Power Stadium in an EFL Cup match that promises to be a tantalizing encounter. 

While the Rovers are aiming to pull off an upset against the Premier League team, their recent form tells a cautionary tale, with consecutive defeats to Notts County (1-3) and MK Dons (1-2). Midfielder Luke Molyneux is anticipated to rejoin Doncaster's starting lineup after making an impact as a substitute in their last league game.

On the other hand, Everton's season has gotten off to a sluggish start, as they've fallen to Fulham, Aston Villa, and Wolverhampton without managing to score. 

Eager to snap their three-game dry spell, the Toffees are likely to capitalize on Doncaster's recent struggles. However, it's worth noting that key players like Alex Iwobi, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil, Dele Alli, and Seamus Coleman are sidelined due to injuries.

Free Football Picks: Everton to win 2-0 (+550) at Draftkings