Bournemouth v Lincoln: EFL Cup prediction, lineups and tips

Bournemouth's involvement in the EFL Cup this season has been low-key so far, and the round of 32 tie against Lincoln City offers a first real look at how much the Cherries value the competition. A Premier League club at home to a side two divisions below them is the shape of tie the competition is built on, and progress here would set up a home draw against tougher opposition in the last 16. For Lincoln, simply reaching this stage against top-flight opposition is a reward in itself, and their recent form suggests they will not simply make up the numbers.

Bournemouth have used the EFL Cup to blood fringe players and give minutes to squad members short of Premier League game time this term, with first-team regulars kept largely out of harm's way in the competition so far. The approach has kept expectations modest, but the Cherries' overall squad strength means anything other than progress here would be viewed as a poor result.

Lincoln's form heading into the tie has been eye-catching. They have won both of their most recent outings, beating Blackpool 4-1 away from home before that with a 2-1 win at Derby, scoring six goals and conceding only two across those two matches. That run has them full of confidence travelling to the south coast.

Expect wholesale changes from Bournemouth. Squad players and academy graduates are likely to be given their chance ahead of Premier League regulars, with the manager keen to manage the physical load on his first-choice group during a congested early-season fixture list. Lincoln, by contrast, are expected to name a strong XI given the scale of the occasion and the possibility of a lucrative run in the competition.

Bournemouth v Lincoln kicks off at 19:45 BST on Tuesday 8 September. EFL Cup coverage this season is shared between Sky Sports and ITV, with selected ties shown live on Sky Sports where chosen for broadcast. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the tie goes straight to a penalty shootout, with no extra-time played in this round of the competition.