Stoke City
Hull CityBy Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions
The Carabao Cup second round serves up an intriguing Championship versus Premier League clash as Stoke City welcome Hull City to the bet365 Stadium. The Potters have endured a miserable start to their league campaign, suffering back-to-back defeats, while the Tigers are riding a wave of euphoria after stunning Manchester United in the Premier League. The key question is whether Hull can sustain their momentum and prove that the gap between the divisions is as wide as it seems.
Stoke City have stumbled out of the gates in the Championship, losing both of their opening fixtures. Last Saturday, the Potters were beaten 3-1 away at Southampton, and a week earlier they fell 2-1 at home to Swansea City. Their only bright spot in competitive action came in the first round of the League Cup, a 2-0 victory over lowly Oldham Athletic. During pre-season, the team played four friendlies, managing a 1-0 win over Everton, draws with Valencia (1-1) and Crewe Alexandra (1-1), and a 0-1 loss to Brage.
Looking at their last ten matches across all competitions, including the tail end of last season, Stoke have scored just nine goals while conceding 16. That works out to an average of 0.9 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per 90 minutes, painting a clear picture of serious issues in midfield and defense. On home soil, the club has lost four of its last six official fixtures, regularly shipping two or three goals against well-organized opponents.
Hull City are riding a massive wave of confidence after a dream start to the Premier League season. Over the weekend, the Tigers pulled off the biggest shock of the opening round, beating Manchester United 2-0 at home with a clean sheet. They secured promotion to the top flight via the playoffs at the end of last season, defeating Middlesbrough 1-0 in the final and beating Millwall 2-0 away. In their summer friendlies, the club recorded wins over Rizespor (2-1) and Konyaspor (3-0), along with draws against Nice and Kasimpasa.
In their last ten matches across all competitions, Hull have scored 12 goals and conceded only seven, recording five wins, three draws, and two defeats. They average 1.2 goals scored and just 0.7 conceded per 90 minutes, showcasing excellent compactness through the middle of the park. Notably, the team has kept clean sheets in each of their last four official outings.
Both sides are eager to advance to the third round of this prestigious cup competition. For Stoke City, a strong run in the League Cup represents a chance to make amends with their supporters after a disastrous start in the Championship. Hull City, as a Premier League club, are looking to extend their winning streak and build further confidence ahead of their upcoming league fixtures.
The hosts will be without defenders Ashley Cresswell and Junior Tchamadeu, as well as midfielder Amadou Ampaah, all of whom are sidelined with injuries. All three had been regular starters this season, and their absence could prove costly, as the squad lacks adequate replacements.
The visitors are missing goalkeeper Jack Butland, forward Joe Gelhardt, and midfielder Darko Gyabi through injury. These three players combined for over 15 appearances for the club last season, but Hull’s deep bench means they can rotate without a significant drop in quality.
The match will be officiated by a yet-to-be-confirmed referee, whose decisions could play a role in the flow of the game.
Main Prediction: Hull City to win at odds of 2.25
Hull City are on an enormous emotional high after their clean-sheet victory over Manchester United. The visitors have not conceded a goal in their last four official matches, while Stoke City have lost both of their Championship games, letting in five goals in just two rounds. In the last two head-to-head meetings at this stadium, the Tigers have come out on top, winning 3-1 and 2-1. Our selection is a Hull City victory at 2.25. We assess the probability of an away win at 49% (any odds above 2.04 represent value).
Goals Prediction: Both teams to score – Yes at 1.75
Stoke City always look to play on the front foot at home and have found the net in four of their last five official matches, but they also concede an average of 1.6 goals per game. Hull City are highly effective on the counter-attack and have scored at least twice in three of their previous four official away games. In recent head-to-head clashes, the teams have consistently traded goals: the "both teams to score" market has landed in three of the last four meetings. A bet on both teams to score at 1.75 looks like a solid option. We rate the probability of an exchange of goals at 62% (any odds above 1.61 are playable).
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Stoke and Hull look evenly matched to me, so I see no reason to favor the hosts in this cup tie. Both sides are comparable in quality, and that makes Hull’s path to qualification at least as plausible as Stoke’s. At 2.12, I’m backing the visitors to advance.
Stoke City have been in poor form lately, and I don’t see them turning things around here. Hull City are the stronger side right now and should be able to advance past this opponent.
That’s why I’m backing Hull to qualify at 2.11.
Hull City’s discipline record makes this card line very appealing. They’ve shown a consistent tendency to commit tactical fouls and pick up bookings, which isn’t going to disappear just because it’s a cup fixture. The price of 1.93 for over 1.5 yellow cards on the away side offers good value here. I don’t see Hull suddenly becoming clean-tackling; this bet matches their established pattern.
Hull City are clearly the stronger side in this EFL Cup meeting. They should take care of business and win inside 90 minutes. At 2.80, the price offers real value, and I'm fully expecting them to deliver.
Stoke City will come out flying at home against Hull City, and I expect them to put the pressure on from the first whistle. Their attacking approach should be relentless, and they’ll find the net at least twice.
I’m backing the hosts to score over 1.5 goals at odds of 2.74—this is a solid bet given how aggressive they’ll be in this EFL Cup clash.
I’m backing Over 2 goals in this EFL Cup clash between Stoke City and Hull City. Both sides tend to get involved in open matches, especially in the early rounds of this competition, so I expect at least two goals here. The odds at 1.63 look solid for a bet that should comfortably land.
Hull City will score at least one goal against Stoke City in the EFL Cup. That’s the bet I’m backing with confidence.
Stoke City against Hull City in the EFL Cup is where I’m taking a real chance. I’m backing the visitors to net at least two goals here, and at 2.75, the price is far too tempting to ignore.
Hull City look like the stronger side here, so I'm backing them to avoid defeat. The double chance market for the visitors to win or draw offers solid value at 1.43, and I'm confident they'll get the job done against Stoke City in this EFL Cup tie.
Stoke City face Hull City in the EFL Cup, and I'm backing the hosts to come out on top in the corner count. Hull's defense has been shaky — they give away far too many corners when put under pressure. Stoke should exploit that weakness.
The odds of 1.80 look solid for Stoke to win the corner battle. I expect them to push forward and force plenty of defensive clearances from Hull.
Looking at Stoke City against Hull City in the EFL Cup, I’m backing both teams to find the net. The odds sit at 1.77, which feels reasonable for this matchup. Cup ties often bring open play, and neither side has a reputation for locking things down defensively, so I expect goals at both ends.
Stoke City hosting Hull City in the EFL Cup — and at nearly even money to advance, the home side looks like the smart play here. With the backing of their own fans at the Bet365 Stadium, Stoke have every reason to feel confident about getting the job done on Tuesday night.
I’m backing Stoke City to qualify at 1.95. The home advantage and their cup mentality should be enough to see them through against Hull.
Stoke City and Hull City meet in the EFL Cup after both spent last season in the Championship. I don't see any real class difference between them at this point, so a goal exchange looks likely. The odds of 1.77 are solid value for a both-teams-to-score bet.
Looking at this EFL Cup tie, I'm backing Hull City to advance here. They've kicked off their Premier League campaign with real authority, riding a wave of confidence that's tough to stop. Meanwhile, Stoke City have had a disastrous start to their own season and are already under serious pressure. With Hull riding that emotional high and Stoke looking vulnerable, the visitors at 1.80 to qualify feels like the clear side.
Hull City are the team to back in this EFL Cup tie. The Tigers will get the job done and qualify for the next round at a solid 1.80.
Let’s be honest—neither side is coming into this EFL Cup tie with much sharpness in front of goal. I don’t see Stoke or Hull suddenly finding their finishing touch, which makes the Under 2.5 line the obvious call.
The way both teams have been struggling to convert chances, I just can’t picture this turning into a high-scoring affair. That’s why I’m backing a low-scoring game here, simple as that.
The EFL Cup clash between Stoke City and Hull City looks set to be a high-tempo affair. Both sides are in a must-win situation, so I don’t see them sitting back—this game should be open and attack-minded from the very start. With that urgency, I’m backing the corner count to pile up, and I’m taking over 9.5 at 1.77.
Hull City to win is the bet for this EFL Cup clash. Stoke City haven't been convincing, and I see the visitors taking full advantage away from home.
A victory for Hull at 2.61 looks like real value. They simply have too much quality for their opponent here.
Stoke City hosting Hull City in the EFL Cup should be a corner-heavy contest. Their most recent head-to-heads have all cleared the 12-corner mark, so backing over 11.5 corners at 2.92 looks like the right call. I expect the corner count to keep climbing from the start.
Hull City are the stronger side in this EFL Cup matchup. They should have no trouble advancing past Stoke, and the 1.78 on them to qualify offers solid value.
Hull City’s start to the Premier League season has been sharp, and I see no reason why they can’t build on that momentum here. Given their early form, backing them to win this EFL Cup tie feels like the right call at 2.57.
Hull City just pulled off the biggest shock of the Premier League round by beating Manchester United. Riding that wave of momentum, I see them advancing further in the EFL Cup as well. The odds of 1.76 for them to qualify look too generous given their current form.
Hull City just went out and beat Manchester United at the weekend. That’s the kind of form that makes their price at 2.57 look far too generous. Based on that performance, they should have no trouble handling Stoke City here.
Hull City’s opening Premier League display already hinted at their attacking threat. I’m backing them to put at least two past Stoke City in the EFL Cup.
Stoke vs Hull in the EFL Cup. Hull already shocked Man United this season — that kind of momentum carries. They qualify easily here. I'm taking Hull to advance at 1.75.
After taking down Manchester United, Hull City have all the momentum. Backing them to qualify at 1.75 makes sense.
Stoke City and Hull City are both in goal-scoring form, which makes me confident the total will surpass 2.5 goals in this EFL Cup tie. I'm taking Over 2.5 at 2.08 — both sides look capable of contributing to a high-scoring match.
Hull City have started the season in solid form, and I expect that to continue against Stoke. They’re creating chances and should find the net at least once here.
Stoke City and Hull City should combine for at least two goals in the first half of this EFL Cup tie. I'm confident both teams will get on the scoresheet before the break. That's the straightforward call here.
In the EFL Cup, Stoke City are at home against Hull City, and I expect them to find the net at least twice. The odds of 2.75 for Stoke to score over 1.5 goals look good — they have the firepower to get it done in front of their own fans.
Stoke City’s best days are behind them. Hull City will take full advantage and score at least twice here—I’m backing them to net over 1.5 goals at 2.40.
Hull City are clearly the stronger side in this EFL Cup meeting. They should take care of business and win inside 90 minutes. At 2.80, the price offers real value, and I'm fully expecting them to deliver.
Hull City to win is the bet for this EFL Cup clash. Stoke City haven't been convincing, and I see the visitors taking full advantage away from home.
A victory for Hull at 2.61 looks like real value. They simply have too much quality for their opponent here.
Hull City’s start to the Premier League season has been sharp, and I see no reason why they can’t build on that momentum here. Given their early form, backing them to win this EFL Cup tie feels like the right call at 2.57.
Hull City just went out and beat Manchester United at the weekend. That’s the kind of form that makes their price at 2.57 look far too generous. Based on that performance, they should have no trouble handling Stoke City here.
Hull City look like the stronger side here, so I'm backing them to avoid defeat. The double chance market for the visitors to win or draw offers solid value at 1.43, and I'm confident they'll get the job done against Stoke City in this EFL Cup tie.
Stoke City will come out flying at home against Hull City, and I expect them to put the pressure on from the first whistle. Their attacking approach should be relentless, and they’ll find the net at least twice.
I’m backing the hosts to score over 1.5 goals at odds of 2.74—this is a solid bet given how aggressive they’ll be in this EFL Cup clash.
I’m backing Over 2 goals in this EFL Cup clash between Stoke City and Hull City. Both sides tend to get involved in open matches, especially in the early rounds of this competition, so I expect at least two goals here. The odds at 1.63 look solid for a bet that should comfortably land.
Hull City will score at least one goal against Stoke City in the EFL Cup. That’s the bet I’m backing with confidence.
Stoke City against Hull City in the EFL Cup is where I’m taking a real chance. I’m backing the visitors to net at least two goals here, and at 2.75, the price is far too tempting to ignore.
The EFL Cup clash between Stoke City and Hull City looks set to be a high-tempo affair. Both sides are in a must-win situation, so I don’t see them sitting back—this game should be open and attack-minded from the very start. With that urgency, I’m backing the corner count to pile up, and I’m taking over 9.5 at 1.77.
Stoke City hosting Hull City in the EFL Cup should be a corner-heavy contest. Their most recent head-to-heads have all cleared the 12-corner mark, so backing over 11.5 corners at 2.92 looks like the right call. I expect the corner count to keep climbing from the start.
Hull City’s opening Premier League display already hinted at their attacking threat. I’m backing them to put at least two past Stoke City in the EFL Cup.
Stoke City and Hull City are both in goal-scoring form, which makes me confident the total will surpass 2.5 goals in this EFL Cup tie. I'm taking Over 2.5 at 2.08 — both sides look capable of contributing to a high-scoring match.
Hull City have started the season in solid form, and I expect that to continue against Stoke. They’re creating chances and should find the net at least once here.
Stoke City and Hull City should combine for at least two goals in the first half of this EFL Cup tie. I'm confident both teams will get on the scoresheet before the break. That's the straightforward call here.
In the EFL Cup, Stoke City are at home against Hull City, and I expect them to find the net at least twice. The odds of 2.75 for Stoke to score over 1.5 goals look good — they have the firepower to get it done in front of their own fans.
Stoke City’s best days are behind them. Hull City will take full advantage and score at least twice here—I’m backing them to net over 1.5 goals at 2.40.
Let’s be honest—neither side is coming into this EFL Cup tie with much sharpness in front of goal. I don’t see Stoke or Hull suddenly finding their finishing touch, which makes the Under 2.5 line the obvious call.
The way both teams have been struggling to convert chances, I just can’t picture this turning into a high-scoring affair. That’s why I’m backing a low-scoring game here, simple as that.
Looking at Stoke City against Hull City in the EFL Cup, I’m backing both teams to find the net. The odds sit at 1.77, which feels reasonable for this matchup. Cup ties often bring open play, and neither side has a reputation for locking things down defensively, so I expect goals at both ends.
Stoke City and Hull City meet in the EFL Cup after both spent last season in the Championship. I don't see any real class difference between them at this point, so a goal exchange looks likely. The odds of 1.77 are solid value for a both-teams-to-score bet.
Hull City’s discipline record makes this card line very appealing. They’ve shown a consistent tendency to commit tactical fouls and pick up bookings, which isn’t going to disappear just because it’s a cup fixture. The price of 1.93 for over 1.5 yellow cards on the away side offers good value here. I don’t see Hull suddenly becoming clean-tackling; this bet matches their established pattern.
The EFL Cup second-round match is scheduled for 25 August 2026 at 19:45 local time at the bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent.
Hull City are the favorites, with a predicted win at odds of 2.25, reflecting their strong form and Stoke's poor start to the season.
Stoke have lost both their Championship games (3-1 vs Southampton, 2-1 vs Swansea), while Hull stunned Manchester United 2-0 in their Premier League opener and have kept clean sheets in their last four official matches.
Stoke are without defenders Ashley Cresswell and Junior Tchamadeu, plus midfielder Amadou Ampaah. Hull are missing goalkeeper Jack Butland, forward Joe Gelhardt, and midfielder Darko Gyabi.
The main prediction is a Hull City win at odds of 2.25, supported by their recent head-to-head record at this stadium (two wins) and Stoke's defensive struggles.
Yes, both teams to score is recommended at 1.75, as Stoke tend to score at home but concede frequently, and Hull are effective on the counter. This market has landed in three of the last four meetings.