With an expanded play-off tournament in the Championship introduced for this season, West Bromwich Albion are one of several second-tier sides targeting a top-eight finish.Before their league campaign gets under way, the Baggies face Rotherham United in the first round of the EFL Cup. Will they come out on top in Yorkshire, or can Rotherham spring a surprise?Draw/West Bromwich Albion half-time/full-time – 10/3 with ToteUnder 2.5 goals – 11/10 with BetfredJimmy-Jay Morgan to score any time – 6/4 with bet365Rotherham United vs West Bromwich Albion head to head overviewDate: Saturday 8th August.Kick-off: 5.30pm.Venue: New York Stadium, Rotherham, England.Where to watch: Sky Sports+.Referee: Tom Reeves.VAR: No.Last meeting: 10th April 2024; West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Rotherham United.Last 10 matches: Rotherham United – 2 wins; West Bromwich Albion – 7 wins; Draws – 1.Favourite to win: West Bromwich Albion.Rotherham United vs West Bromwich Albion predicted lineupsRotherham United expected lineup: Cann; Rafferty, Cover, Adegboyega, Agbaire; Jellis, Kelly, Spence, Yearwood; Bradshaw, Kayode.West Bromwich Albion expected lineup: O’Leary; Galves, Phillips, Campbell, Styles; Mowatt, Diakite, Price, Johnston; Morgan, Heggebo.Rotherham United vs West Bromwich Albion predictionsThe 2025/26 season was one to forget for West Bromwich Albion. Having finished ninth the year before, the aim was to push for the play-offs despite financial restrictions. Instead, the Baggies almost suffered relegation to League One.West Brom have been ever-present in the top two divisions of English football since 1992/93, but that run almost came to an end last time out.A 21st-place finish was too close for comfort for West Brom fans, although a run of just one defeat in their final 11 games ultimately prevented demotion.James Morrison was responsible for that upturn in fortunes, leading to the interim boss being handed the reins on a full-time basis at the end of April.A club legend from his playing days, Morrison has the backing of the entire Hawthorns faithful. That alone represents a step in the right direction.We will have to wait and see whether a push for the expanded play-offs is a realistic goal for West Brom in Morrison’s first full season at the helm, but the Baggies should at least steer clear of the bottom three.A cup run would not go amiss, but West Brom’s recent record in the EFL Cup is underwhelming, with just one quarter-final appearance in the last 22 years.Rotherham United were in the Championship with West Brom as recently as May 2024, but they are about to begin the 2026/27 season in League Two.Rotherham were relegated last term and the bookies do not expect them to bounce straight back, pricing them as only the eighth-favourites for promotion.Alex Bruce is now calling the shots at the New York Stadium, with West Brom providing the opposition for his first competitive match at the helm.Rotherham United vs West Bromwich Albion betting tipsCan West Bromwich Albion avoid a banana skin against Rotherham United?West Brom should come throughIt is difficult for teams to find their rhythm immediately after pre-season, so it could take West Bromwich Albion a while to grow into this game.Rotherham United’s principal aim in the first half will be to keep things tight at the back and make life difficult for their Championship opponents.They should have some success in that regard, especially as the match is taking place at their own stadium.In the end, though, the superior quality of West Brom’s squad is bound to tip the tie in their favour as the game wears on. Back draw/West Bromwich Albion half-time/full-time at 10/3 with Tote Tight encounter in storeThis will not necessarily be the most thrilling match in the first round of the EFL Cup.Rotherham United would be happy with a 0-0 scoreline after an hour or so, as they aim to shut West Bromwich Albion down before striking at the other end.An early goal for West Brom would force Rotherham to come out, but if they do not get one, this has the potential to develop into a stodgy encounter. Goals will probably be at a premium in one of three late kick-offs on Saturday. Tip under 2.5 goals at 11/10 with Betfred Morgan can make markUp until James Morrison took over in March, West Bromwich Albion were among the lowest scorers in the Championship.The situation improved a little thereafter, although Morrison’s biggest impact came in making West Brom harder to beat.No player reached double figures for league goals, something Morrison will be keen to change this term.Jimmy-Jay Morgan could help in that regard. The former Chelsea academy prospect joined West Brom this summer following a successful spell at Peterborough United.The youngster is our pick to make the net ripple against Rotherham United. Go for Jimmy-Jay Morgan to score any time at 6/4 with bet365 Rotherham United vs West Bromwich Albion latest oddsFind the latest Rotherham United vs West Bromwich Albion betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.Rotherham: 17/4 with bet365Draw: 16/5 with BetfredWest Brom: 1/2 with bet365More EFL Cup predictionsWe have plenty more EFL Cup predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.Important historical facts about Rotherham United and West Bromwich Albion for bettingThe last meeting between these two teams in the EFL Cup was a seven-goal thriller won 4-3 by West Bromwich Albion in 2009. Both teams have scored in only one of the last four meetings between this pair. West Bromwich Albion have been eliminated in the first round of the EFL Cup in each of the last three seasons.About the authorGreg LeaGreg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootballCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.