Sparknotes on the Carabao Cup/EFL Cup: Carabao’s the sponsor, I forget what it is but the carabao is a swamp type of water buffalo (there are two types, one is swamp). Hope I got that all right. It’s been almost a year.
Whom:
Burnley vs. Newcastle
What:
EFL Cup, Second Round (round of 64 on the bracket, but seven teams have byes through to the third round so only 50 teams are in action).
Where:
St. James’ Park (Newcastle)
When:
1:45 PM American Central Daylight Time
How to Watch:
I don’t think it’s on TV in the states.
What’s at Stake:
The winner of the EFL Cup goes to the Europa League, or at least that used to be the case. I don’t know if things have changed with the introduction of that Europa Conference League or whatever it’s called. Anyway, Burnley rarely tries in cups so we probably don’t need to worry about it at this moment. More of a friendly/tune-up vibe.
The Odds:
I’m seeing Burnley at +240 to win, Newcastle at -115, and a draw at +230, so if penalties are a 50-50 affair we’re looking at something like a 42% chance Burnley advances.
Burnley Squad:
Kevin Long and Dale Stephens are still unavailable, Ashley Westwood and Matěj Vydra might be unavailable as well. We may see Nathan Collins and we’ll probably see some of the younger guys.
The Opponent:
Newcastle’s also lost its first two EPL games, to West Ham and Aston Villa by two goals each. They aren’t supposed to be very good, but neither is Burnley!
Transfers, Sean Dyche Extension:
Nothing official, but the Maxwel Cornet rumors have gotten a big head of steam in the last day or two. He’s an Ivorian defender/midfielder who plays for Lyon in France’s top league.
Burnley FC Women:
The women’s club lost on Sunday to Nottingham Forest. They play AFC Fylde today, who’ve won their first two matches.
Partner Clubs:
Cobh Ramblers (Ireland, second tier) next play Saturday in the FAI Cup.
Ayr United (Scotland, second tier) next play Saturday in a league match against Raith Rovers.
Portadown (Northern Ireland, first tier) opens league play Friday against Glenavon.
Llandudno (Wales, second tier) beat Ruthin Town yesterday, 1-0, moving into a tie for fifth in the 16-team Cymru North with eleven points despite playing one fewer match to date than those with whom they’re tied. They’ll host one of those teams, Conwy Borough, on Saturday.
Other News:
There’s an international break coming up for a few World Cup qualifiers. Backup goalie Wayne Hennessey, out-on-loan goalie Bailey Peacock-Farrell, and starting goalie Nick Pope are all expected to be rostered at this point for Wales, Northern Ireland, and England respectively. I’d expect Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson and Matěj Vydra to also be rostered for Iceland and the Czech Republic, respectively, but it’s possible I’ve missed something.
Bertie News:
Nothing recent, so let’s remember a time Bertie went to the hospital:
