Things are hotting up in the inaugural EFL Football Manager Cup with the final 32 teams decided after a compelling first round that saw the first Bristol derby in seven years and a tussle between Championship giants Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. The draw comprised 16 teams from the Championship, and eight apiece from League One and League Two. 

The next stage of the tournament, which is being run in partnership with the EFL and its charity partner, Mind, starts tomorrow (Monday, April 27th) and runs until Thursday, April 30th. Here are the big stories to look out for in the second round.

West Bromwich Albion against Queens Park Rangers is probably the standout tie, after the two Championship clubs came through potential banana skins against League One opposition in the first round. The Baggies, under the virtual tutelage of midfielder Romaine Sawyers, looked highly impressive against Coventry and they have to be among the favourites for the competition. Sawyers, however, is keeping his side grounded heading into their match with the West London club, who beat Peterborough 2-0 in round one. “We have belief and a target within the group that we want to achieve,” said Sawyers, “so additional pressure from the outside community won’t make much of a difference to our mentality.”

The second round draw has also produced two more all-Championship ties to look forward to, with Fulham taking on Charlton Athletic and Stoke City facing Blackburn Rovers (who received a ‘bye’ in round one).

Birmingham City, led in this tournament by goalkeeper Lee Camp, needed a 93rd minute equaliser and a strong extra-time performance to get past Swindon Town in Round One and now the Blues face another League Two side in Forest Green Rovers. Chris Stokes led his side into the last 32 with a thumping 5-0 win over Macclesfield Town and their performance will certainly have given Camp and his men some food for thought.

One side that the top clubs would have wanted to avoid is Walsall, who confidently dispatched higher-level opposition in the form of AFC Wimbledon. They’ve got the chance to stage another giant-killing against Championship outfit Huddersfield Town, whose manager Karlan Grant will presumably have been putting his squad through their paces on the training ground after wasting a host of chances in their win over Oldham Athletic.

Real-life cup specialists Newport County enter the tournament at this stage against Wigan Athletic, as do Bolton Wanderers, who have been handed an interesting tie against Leyton Orient, who caused an upset in the competition’s opening game against Tranmere Rovers.

Although virtual Trotters boss Paul Huddy feels that a bye may have given his side an advantage, as it’s given the team more time to work on their tactics, he will not be underestimating Orient.

“It was a great turnaround for Leyton Orient, to come back from behind against a team in the league above. It goes to show that anyone can beat anyone in this competition. Orient have a manager who knows what he’s doing and it will be a great game I’m sure.”

Also joining the competition at this stage are Championship outfits Luton Town and Brentford, who’ll face Ipswich Town and Shrewsbury Town respectively in their first games of the tournament.

Round Two will see a local derby between MK Dons and Wycombe Wanderers, while Bristol City, who triumphed in an entertaining derby of their own in round one, take on Scunthorpe United.
Nottingham Forest’s reward for beating Leeds is a tie with Southend United, who needed a penalty shootout to see off Bradford City in the last round.

Meanwhile, a lot of eyes will be on Portsmouth’s virtual manager Proudie, who seemingly confounded expectations by leading his Pompey side to a 6-0 win over Plymouth Argyle in round one. The South Coast outfit once again face League Two opposition in the shape of Mansfield Town and their manager seems relatively confident of repeating the trick in round two: “I think Mansfield will offer a different challenge for us,” he said. “I did watch their game with Northampton and was quite impressed with how well-organised they were, especially defensively. I know the pressure will be firmly on me with the home advantage and stronger set of players, but I feel like I can thrive on that pressure and I will look to get the team to score early to settle any nerves. I'm looking forward to the game, and hope that the fans will see another solid performance at Fratton Park.”

Don’t forget, during the tournament you can show your support for Mind and help them protect, support and save lives by donating what you can at the tournament’s JustGiving page.

The games in the second round will take place from Monday to Thursday of this week and we’ll have a full recap of this week’s action next weekend.