EFL Cup first round, extra time or straight to penalties? | OneFootball

Level first round EFL Cup ties will go straight to penalties this weekend, with no extra time used in rounds one to five. Extra time only applies after the semi-final second leg, if required.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Premier League clubs not involved in the Champions League or Europa League join in round two, while Unai Emery's Aston Villa will enter in round three as Champions League participants.

Walsall begin at Championship side Bristol City on Thursday at 7.45pm, a first competitive fixture for new head coach Lee Grant. The game was moved forward due to Bristol's International Balloon Festival, which draws more than 500,000 near Ashton Gate.

Cesar Peixoto's Wolves host League Two Port Vale on Friday night at Molineux, on Sky Sports. The visitors, relegated from League One, could pose a banana skin in front of the cameras.

James Morrison's Albion visit Rotherham United on Saturday for a 5.30pm kick-off, also on Sky. The hosts are newly relegated to League Two.

Shrewsbury Town, under Gavin Cowan, head to much-fancied Salford City. The Class of '92-backed club are tipped by many to finally secure promotion from the fourth tier this term.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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