Our prediction for this EFL Cup match:
Derby
Match Time & Date:
08/08/2023
20:45
Prediction: 1-1
Blackpool
After suffering a 2-1 loss to Wigan Athletic in the season opener, Derby County will look to get back on course when they welcome Blackpool to their Pride Park in the EFL Cup round 1. The Rams failed to impress in the opening match of the season, but the bookies still see them as favourites to beat the Seasiders at home ground. Summer signing Conor Washington is pushing for a start as well as defender Kane Wilson.
Blackpool, on the other hand, proved their worth in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Burton and given their successful pre-season, we are tempted to put our money on draw. Derby County defenders should have Shayne Lavery at bay as the 24-year-old midfielder scored a brace against the Brewers. You should bear in mind that under 2.5 goals have been netted in three of the previous four encounters between the two teams in all competitions.
Highlighted Player (Conor Hourihane):
Conor Hourihane is an Irish footballer who plays for Barnsley. The midfielder was born on 2 February, 1991 and he started his youth career at Premier League club Sunderland. In 2011 he joined Plymouth Argyle and he spent three years at Home Park.
After scoring 15 goals in 125 appearances for the Pilgrims in 2014 Hourihane decided to take next big step in his career. On 23 June he signed a three-year deal with Barnsley for a fee of £250,000. In August he won the League One Player of the Month award and, no doubt, he made a flying start to his Barnsley career. Hourihane made 46 appearances for the Tykes in the 2014/2015 League One campaign, scoring 15 goals and he certainly helped the team return to the Championship.
The Irish midfielder has eight caps for the U-21 team. His main position is central midfield, but he is capable of playing as defensive and left midfielder as well. Conor Hourihane is a right-footed footballer.
Highlighted Team (Blackpool):
Blackpool FC are a professional English club based in Blackpool, Lancashire. Considering that Blackpool is a seaside town, it is no surprise they are nicknamed the Seasiders. Founded back in 1887, the club play their home matches at Bloomfield Road, which can hold up to 17,338 spectators. In the 2009/2010 season Blackpool secured promotion to the Premier League, but they were not competitive at this level, suffering relegation to the Championship the following season.
The club’s biggest success, though, came in 1953 when they defeated Bolton Wanderers 4-3 in the FA Cup final. Blackpool are well known for their orange shirts, but the dominant colour of their away kit is white. Preston are considered the club’s biggest rivals, with the two teams facing each other in the West Lancashire derby.
Charlie Adam, who played for Liverpool and has 26 caps for Scotland national team, is regarded as one of the club’s most notable players.
Brighton
Southampton
Barcelona
Las Palmas 
Crystal Palace
Newcastle 
Borussia Dortmund 
Bayern Munich 
West Ham
Arsenal
Chelsea 
Aston Villa 
