League Cup: Stoke v Swindon Tip

The odds (9/2 Betfred) would suggest that an away victory is highly unlikely here, but in a competition that Premier League sides rarely take seriously in the early rounds, that is a long way from the truth.

The mercurial Paulo Di Canio is doing a wonderful job at Swindon City, regardless of his eccentricities. They stormed to the League Two title last season and they are already joint-top of League One after two wins and a draw, with no goals conceded. The Robins also thumped Championship Brighton 3-0 in the last round.

Stoke are very much going through a lean spell. The Potters are now without a competitive victory in eight outings stretching back to April 7. If winning is a habit then the underdogs are a great shout in this one.