Watford vs MK Dons Prediction: Hornets to avoid cup upset

Watford will look to build on their win over Millwall when they return to Vicarage Road to face MK Dons on Tuesday (19:45, Sky Sports+) in the Carabao Cup.

The Hornets wrestled past Millwall in a thrilling 3-2 battle on the opening weekend of the campaign, but MK Dons were unable to follow suit in League Two as they lost 2-1 to Bradford City.

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Watford coach Tom Cleverley may rest Mattie Pollock after he suffered a head injury in the game against Millwall. Pollock finished the game, but the Hornets' medical team may prefer him to take a rest as he recovers from a nasty cut.

Substitute Mileta Rajovic scored the winner at the death against Millwall and could be rewarded with a start. Wingers Ken Sema and Thomas Ince will also look to make an impression from the off.

MK Dons boss Mike Williamson may make changes to get a tune out of his side, with Matthew Dennis and Tommy Leigh the two likely to come in.

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Watford are 4/7 favourites for Tuesday's encounter, while the draw is 3/1 and MK Dons are considered 4/1 outsiders.

Over 2.5 goals is available at 8/13, while both teams to score can be backed at 4/6.

Watford's Vakoun Bayo is the 5/4 favourite to score anytime, while Rajovic is 7/5 to make it two goals from two appearances.

Watford to win @ 4/7

The Hornets have not had much joy in this competition in recent years. They have lost in the opening round in the last two campaigns, while they only reached the second round during the 2021/22 season.

Cleverley and his squad have a point to prove this season, with sceptics questioning if he is the right man for the job.

With seven new signings coming through the door at Vicarage Road, Cleverley will look to use Tuesday's tie to build momentum and wholesale changes are not expected as he tries to help his new recruits settle in.

Watford are unbeaten in four in competitive fixtures at home and they should have too much quality for a team two divisions below them.

Over 2.5 goals @ 8/13 

MK Dons are the 6/1 favourites to win the League Two title this season, but they are winless in four in the fourth tier.

Williamson's side were involved in some high-scoring encounters towards the end of last season, with four or more goals scored in seven of their previous 10 League Two matches.

The former Newcastle United defender has his work cut out to improve his team at the back and they conceded two goals in the first five minutes against Bradford.

MK Dons will not go down without a fight themselves and a high-scoring battle is expected at Vicarage Road.

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