Wednesday's EFL Cup predictions including West Bromwich Albion vs. Arsenal

Newcastle vs. Burnley (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

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Newcastle United and Burnley square off in the EFL Cup second round on Tuesday night having both endured a poor start to the new Premier League campaign.

The Magpies and the Clarets are two of five clubs to have lost each of their opening two fixtures in England's top flight.

We say: Newcastle United 2-1 Burnley

While both managers will inevitably rotate for this fixture, we still expect a hard-fought contest. However, Newcastle's greater strength-in-depth could prove key and we fancy the home side to run out narrow victors at St James' Park.

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Newport vs. Southampton (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

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Southampton will attempt to record their first win of the season when they face Newport County in the EFL Cup second round on Wednesday night.

While the Saints head into this fixture on the back of an excellent point against Manchester United, their hosts have collected two wins from their first three fixtures in League Two.

We say: Newport County 1-4 Southampton

Despite the possibility of Hasenhuttl changing the majority of his previous starting lineup, we still expect a convincing Saints win. Newport have impressed against Premier League opposition in the past, but they may struggle to match Southampton on this occasion.

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West Brom vs. Arsenal (Wednesday, 8.00pm)

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Two sides who have endured very contrasting starts to their respective domestic seasons prepare for battle in the second round of the EFL Cup as West Bromwich Albion face Arsenal at The Hawthorns on Wednesday.

The Baggies claimed a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers in the Championship at the weekend, while Arsenal's woeful start continued with a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.

We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-2 Arsenal (Arsenal to win on penalties)

Ismael's West Brom have slain everything before them in the early weeks of the season, and the Baggies faithful have no reason to believe that a shock could not be on the cards here.

With Arsenal's absentee list stretching into the double figures and morale at an all-time low, the gulf in historical class between the two clubs should pale into insignificance here, but we still have faith in Arteta's men to get over the line on penalties and kickstart their stuttering season.

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> How Arsenal could line up against West Brom

> Arsenal injury, suspension list vs. West Brom