Capital One Cup Tips: West Ham must wait for revenge

West Ham and Sheffield United fans are both aggrieved by the others handling of "the Carlos Tevez affair"

Michael Lintorn proposes a bet for the Capital One Cup second-round ties at Brentford, Millwall and West Ham...

Brentford v Fulham
Tuesday, 19:45

Match Odds: Brentford 2.1211/10, Fulham 3.7511/4, The Draw 3.711/4

The big surprise surrounding this fixture isn't that Brentford are near-evens favourites to beat a side who were two divisions above them last term, but that Felix Magath remains Fulham boss despite guiding his pre-season title favourites to four straight defeats and the bottom of the Championship.

One pattern that survived the Cottagers' flops against Ipswich, Millwall, Wolves and Derby is that they trailed 0-1 at the break on every occasion. That flair for assuming an early disadvantage actually traces back to their final two Premier League outings, so back Brentford to stretch it to seven games.

Recommended Bet: Back Brentford to lead 1-0 at half-time @ 4.94/1

Millwall v Southampton
Tuesday, 19:45

Match Odds: Millwall 4.94/1, Southampton 1.845/6, The Draw 3.8514/5

There is undeniable upset potential in this match: Millwall have started 2014/15 promisingly, Southampton are still adjusting after a summer of upheaval and the Lions triumphed in the last cup meeting between the pair in 2012. However, the most attractive punting option is under 2.5 goals.

Ian Holloway has shown an interest in defensive organisation that critics felt was lacking at Blackpool and Crystal Palace, and the result has been their first five 2014/15 games all delivering two goals or less, and only seven in total. Six of Southampton's past seven showdowns were similarly goal-light.

Recommended Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.981/1

West Ham v Sheffield United
Tuesday, 19:45

Match Odds: West Ham 1.594/7, Sheffield United 6.611/2, The Draw 4.47/2

The tie of the round sees West Ham and Sheffield United collide for the first time since emerging as anti-BFFs (or is it WEFs: worst enemies forever?) in 2007 due to their dispute over all things Carlos Tevez, relegation and arbitration-related. Rarely has Capital One Cup progress been such a priority.

West Ham have a great recent relationship with the Capital One Cup, making two semi-finals in four years, but overcomplicate home clashes with lower-league teams. They led at the interval in just three of their previous eight such encounters, so expect the Blades to be in the contest at half time.

Recommended Bet: Lay West Ham to lead at half time @ 2.26/5