Bristol City vs Walsall Preview & Prediction | 2026-27 English League Cup | First Round
by Alex Sarwar ·
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The opening match of the new English football season sees Bristol City face Walsall in the first round of the League Cup.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK –Sky Sports+ / USA – Paramount+
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Paramount+
Bristol City vs Walsall prediction
With the League Cup first round being played before the beginning of the Championship, League One and League Two this season, it will make for fascinating viewing as EFL clubs should take the competition more seriously in the opening round and field their strongest XIs rather than heavily rotate as you would typically see when the first round was played in the midweek following the first weekend of the league campaign.
This should play into the favour of Bristol City, who have been active across the summer transfer window and made some impressive signings such as Sam Tickle, Lorent Tolaj and Sam Greenwood. Walsall sit two divisions below the Robins and haven’t looked great during pre-season, failing to score in each of their last three friendlies.
Whilst you would expect them to be more competitive when the real stuff starts, Bristol City should still wind up too strong and begin the 2026-27 season with a win.
Bristol City vs Walsall tip: Bristol City to win
