#efl-cup

#efl-cup

I thought we were terrific. I thought it was an unbelievable performance. We have got six or seven first team players missing which would obviously help contribute a lot, tonight we made eight changes, we lose the keeper in the warm-up and lose Dan Kelly after 20 minutes, it's certainly been challenging.

My honest opinion is that you have to look at the jobs that Sean Dyche has done at Burnley, what he did at Everton. He stabilised the club, at least he is going to put structure in there. What Manchester United need right now is structure. That is something they do not have. That's a man that will come in and make the team a lot better than what we are all seeing at the moment.

After his side crashed out of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, losing 2-0 to Brentford, Iraola insists all focus now turns to the challenge Spurs present: "The priority is to recover and prepare well, because we're playing against a team that just came from a win against City away, two games, six points. "We will have to be at our very best."

Wolves scored twice inside the final eight minutes to earn their first win of the 2025/26 season and beat West Ham at home in the EFL Cup in one of two all-Premier League tie on the first night of the second round. Brentford claimed consecutive victories, following up their home defeat of Aston Villa in the top flight on Saturday by winning at Bournemouth. League Two side Cambridge United produced the greatest shock, winning 3-1 against Championship visitors Charlton Athletic.

Despite cruising their way to Premier League safety last season, the Midlands-based outfit collected just a single point from any of their final four top-flight appearances. Getting the new campaign underway with what was a nightmare 4-0 drumming at the hands of Manchester City, the former Botafogo boss has seen his squad suffer consecutive defeats from their first two Premier League showdowns.

Starting with the hosts, while Bournemouth might have got the 2025/26 campaign underway with an action-packed 4-2 defeat away at defending champions Liverpool on August 15th, Andoni Iraola's men should take plenty of positives from their bright start to proceedings. Putting a maiden Premier League victory on the board last weekend as they landed a 1-0 victory at home against Wolves, the former Rayo Vallecano boss has seen his squad gain plenty of plaudits from across England's elite.

Stockport County is a standout top-six contender with seven points from their first three League One appearances, showcasing impressive form and clinical finishing.

David Hughes criticized the EFL for scheduling an EFL Cup tie before the League season, saying it put players at risk, especially with no games the following week. He expressed concern over fairness towards his players, emphasizing their preparation and the possible injuries incurred due to the tight schedule. He highlighted the risk of injuries after a six-week training block designed to position the players for a successful start to the season. Hughes believed this scheduling was not in the players' best interest.