Carabao Cup: Cheltenham vs West Ham

Cheltenham face West Ham at the Whaddon Road Ground on Wednesday evening, in the televised second round match in the Carabao Cup.

The hosts come into this match in poor form, after losing their last fixture against Carlisle 3-0 in League Two.

The game got off to a nightmare start for Cheltenham, with Harry Pell scoring an unfortunate own goal (5).

Reggie Lambe doubled Carlisle's lead just thirteen minutes later (18), the 2-0 scoreline all but securing the three points.

Tom Miller put the outcome beyond all doubt in the second half (60), with a fine strike to make it 3-0.

Cheltenham have had a tough start to their League Two campaign, losing two and winning one of their opening three games.

Defeats against Carlisle and Morecambe have been sandwiched either side of wins against Crawley and Oxford United.

This match sees sides that are three divisions apart compete, this is a huge match for Cheltenham.

They progressed to this round after winning an impressive seven goal thriller against Oxford United.

Cheltenham come into this match as the underdogs, with the Hammers Premier League status informing the bookies.

This will be a tough assignment for the hosts, with the gap between the two sides a huge three leagues.

Cheltenham will be looking to avenge the 2-1 defeat they suffered in their first and only meeting.

Horror Start

West Ham come into this match in poor form, after losing both of their opening Premier League fixtures.

The Hammers lost their last fixture 3-2 against Southampton, a tough defeat for Bilic's side.

Manolo Gabbiadini opened the scoring for the Saints (11), with the Italian looking to enjoy a successful full season.

Marco Arnautovic was sent off for West Ham (33), after an elbow on Jack Stephens, with the Austrian yet to justify his transfer.

Dusan Tadic doubled the scoring for Southampton, after Steven Davis was hauled down by Jose Fonte (38).

Slaven Bilic will have been disappointed that Tadic was still on the pitch, after a reckless lunge on Javier Hernandez.

Javier Hernandez (45) scored a consolation goal just before the break, before returning to level the scoring in the 74th minute.

Charlie Austin won a thrilling contest with a late penalty (90+3), a controversial decision after Zabaleta nudged Maya Yoshida.

Slaven Bilic's side have had a poor start, losing two tough fixtures against United and Southampton.

They have conceded seven goals in two matches, although Javier Hernandez has starred in both matches.

Marko Arnautovic is suspended for this match, after his stupidity cost him three matches and his side three points.

West Ham come into this match as favourites, despite losing their first two games.

The visitors will be looking to pull off a win in this game, they will be hoping it will kick start their season.

West Ham will be looking to make it two wins from two matches against Cheltenham.

Tip 1 – Austin to score first @ 4/1

Tip 2 – Wolves to win 2-1 @ 22/1