Carabao Cup 2026/27 First Round Predictions
- Sport @ Real Terryo
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
The 2026/27 football season is officially underway, and the first domestic cup competition of the campaign gets started with the Carabao Cup First Round.
Clubs from across the Championship, League One, League Two and the lower divisions will begin their journey towards Wembley, with every team hoping to create a memorable cup run.
The Carabao Cup has always provided plenty of excitement, with established clubs looking for early success and underdogs dreaming of producing a famous upset.
At Sport @ Real Terryo, we have looked ahead at all of the confirmed First Round fixtures and made our predictions for the matches taking place between Thursday 6th August and Monday 10th August 2026.
Thursday 6th August 2026
Bristol City vs Walsall
Prediction: Bristol City 3-0 Walsall
Bristol City will be hoping to make a positive start to the new season. With home advantage and a stronger squad on paper, they are expected to have enough quality to overcome Walsall comfortably.
Friday 7th August 2026
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Port Vale
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 Port Vale
Wolves will enter this fixture as strong favourites. Their experience at a higher level should allow them to control the game and progress into the next round.
Wycombe Wanderers vs Stevenage
Prediction: Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 Stevenage
A competitive opening-round tie between two sides capable of causing problems. Wycombe’s home advantage could prove important in a closely fought contest.
Middlesbrough vs Wrexham
Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Wrexham
A fascinating match between two ambitious clubs. Wrexham will bring plenty of attention and excitement, but Middlesbrough’s experience could make the difference.
Saturday 8th August 2026
Cambridge United vs Barnet
Prediction: Cambridge United 1-0 Barnet
A tight encounter expected, with Cambridge United predicted to edge through thanks to their defensive organisation.
Queens Park Rangers vs Millwall
Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Millwall
A London derby that should provide plenty of intensity. Millwall’s physical style and experience could help them secure an away victory.
AFC Wimbledon vs Newport County
Prediction: AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Newport County
A difficult fixture to predict, but Newport are backed to take their chances and progress.
Barnsley vs Wigan Athletic
Prediction: Barnsley 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Two experienced clubs meet in what should be an entertaining contest. Barnsley’s attacking quality could prove decisive.
Bradford City vs Rochdale
Prediction: Bradford City 1-0 Rochdale
A close game expected, but Bradford’s home advantage could see them move into the next round.
Bristol Rovers vs Peterborough United
Prediction: Bristol Rovers 1-0 Peterborough United
A potential cup upset. Bristol Rovers are predicted to use home support to secure a narrow victory.
Bromley vs Reading
Prediction: Bromley 0-2 Reading
Reading’s experience at a higher level should help them progress.
Burnley vs Notts County
Prediction: Burnley 3-0 Notts County
Burnley will be expected to make a strong start and should have too much quality for Notts County.
Burton Albion vs Blackburn Rovers
Prediction: Burton Albion 0-2 Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn’s quality and Championship experience should prove the difference.
Cardiff City vs Swindon Town
Prediction: Cardiff City 2-0 Swindon Town
Cardiff are expected to control the match and progress without too many problems.
Crewe Alexandra vs Accrington Stanley
Prediction: Crewe Alexandra 2-1 Accrington Stanley
A competitive lower-league battle, with Crewe predicted to edge the result.
Derby County vs Lincoln City
Prediction: Derby County 2-1 Lincoln City
Derby’s home advantage could prove crucial in a close match.
Fleetwood Town vs Chesterfield
Prediction: Fleetwood Town 1-0 Chesterfield
A game likely decided by fine margins, with Fleetwood predicted to take the win.
Gillingham vs Luton Town
Prediction: Gillingham 0-2 Luton Town
Luton’s experience and squad strength should help them reach the next round.
Grimsby Town vs Blackpool
Prediction: Grimsby Town 1-0 Blackpool
A possible surprise result, with Grimsby backed to make home advantage count.
Leicester City vs Northampton Town
Prediction: Leicester City 3-0 Northampton Town
Leicester’s squad depth should allow them to progress comfortably.
Leyton Orient vs Oxford United
Prediction: Leyton Orient 0-1 Oxford United
Oxford are predicted to claim a narrow away victory.
Norwich City vs Milton Keynes Dons
Prediction: Norwich City 3-0 Milton Keynes Dons
Norwich’s attacking quality should see them safely through.
Preston North End vs Huddersfield Town
Prediction: Preston North End 2-1 Huddersfield Town
A competitive Championship fixture, with Preston predicted to come out on top.
Salford City vs Shrewsbury Town
Prediction: Salford City 2-0 Shrewsbury Town
Salford’s home advantage could help them secure progression.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Bolton Wanderers
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Bolton Wanderers
A big match between two ambitious clubs, with Wednesday predicted to advance.
Stockport County vs Doncaster Rovers
Prediction: Stockport County 0-1 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster are backed to cause a small upset away from home.
Stoke City vs Oldham Athletic
Prediction: Stoke City 3-0 Oldham Athletic
Stoke’s higher-level experience should prove too much.
Swansea City vs Birmingham City
Prediction: Swansea City 2-1 Birmingham City
A close Championship encounter, with Swansea predicted to claim victory.
Watford vs Crawley Town
Prediction: Watford 2-0 Crawley Town
Watford’s quality should see them progress comfortably.
West Ham United vs Portsmouth
Prediction: West Ham United 3-1 Portsmouth
West Ham’s Premier League experience should help them overcome Portsmouth.
Cheltenham Town vs Charlton Athletic
Prediction: Cheltenham Town 0-2 Charlton Athletic
Charlton are predicted to progress with a professional away performance.
Colchester United vs Southampton
Prediction: Colchester United 0-4 Southampton
Southampton are expected to dominate and secure a convincing win.
Rotherham United vs West Bromwich Albion
Prediction: Rotherham United 0-2 West Bromwich Albion
West Brom’s quality and experience should see them safely through.
Sunday 9th August 2026
Mansfield Town vs Sheffield United
Prediction: Mansfield Town 0-2 Sheffield United
Sheffield United should have enough quality to overcome Mansfield and continue their cup campaign.
Monday 10th August 2026
Plymouth Argyle vs Exeter City
Prediction: Plymouth Argyle 2-1 Exeter City
The First Round concludes with a local rivalry. Plymouth’s home advantage could be the deciding factor.
🏆 Final Thoughts
The Carabao Cup First Round is always one of the most exciting stages of the competition. It provides opportunities for lower-league clubs to create unforgettable moments while giving bigger teams the chance to begin their trophy campaigns.
There will be favourites expected to progress, but the beauty of cup football is that surprises are always possible.
The road to Wembley starts here.
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