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David McGoldrick will be eager to make an early impact at Oakwell, and he looks a strong contender to open the scoring for Barnsley. The veteran forward showcased his class in the Reds’ last EFL Trophy outing, netting a superb hat-trick against Manchester United U21s, and his movement, composure, and experience in front of goal make him a constant threat. With Conor Hourihane’s side in confident form after back-to-back wins and plenty of creativity from the likes of Davis Keillor-Dunn and Neil Farrugia behind him, McGoldrick could well find himself on the end of an early chance to put Barnsley ahead as they chase top spot in Group D.

Andy Cook will be Bradford City’s key attacking threat and a strong contender to open the scoring on Tuesday. The experienced striker has a proven instinct in front of goal and thrives in physical battles, making him a constant menace for defenders inside the box. Having marked his return from injury with crucial goals in the EFL Trophy ??" including a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Grimsby ??" Cook has regained confidence and sharpness. His aerial strength, poacher’s positioning, and ability to capitalize on loose balls make him the most likely to strike first for the Bantams, especially against a Doncaster back line that has struggled for clean sheets in recent weeks.

Jayden Wareham could be a strong contender to open the scoring for Exeter City. The young forward has shown sharp movement and intelligent positioning in recent outings, often finding space between defenders to exploit through balls and crosses. With Exeter’s attacking setup creating plenty of chances in the early stages of games, Wareham’s pace and instinct inside the box make him a constant threat. If the Grecians start brightly and press high against a vulnerable Newport backline, Wareham’s ability to time his runs and finish clinically could see him strike first to give Exeter the advantage.

John McAtee could be a strong candidate to open the scoring for Bolton. The attacking midfielder has been operating just behind the striker in Steven Schumacher’s setup, linking play intelligently and finding pockets of space between the lines. With Bolton’s current attacking momentum ??" six goals in their last two matches ??" McAtee’s timing and movement make him a real threat to Oldham’s back line, especially given their late-game defensive lapses in recent outings. His sharpness around the box and eye for goal suggest he could strike early and set the tone for the visitors at Boundary Park.

Jayden Stockley will be eager to make an early impact for Port Vale, and he looks a strong contender to open the scoring. The powerful forward offers a commanding aerial presence and thrives on crosses and set pieces, making him a constant threat inside the box. With Fleetwood’s defence showing vulnerability on the road and Port Vale keen to respond after recent league struggles, Stockley’s movement and finishing ability could see him capitalize on any defensive lapse. If the hosts start brightly, expect Stockley to be at the heart of their attacking play and well-placed to grab the first goal for the Valiants.

In fine attacking form and brimming with confidence, Nathan Lowe looks a strong candidate to open the scoring for Stockport County. The lively forward has shown sharp movement between the lines and a clinical touch in front of goal, thriving in Dave Challinor’s fluid attacking setup. With Stockport creating plenty of chances at Edgeley Park and Lowe often positioned to capitalize on early pressure, he could well be the one to break the deadlock and set the tone for another strong home performance.

Ashley Fletcher ??" the experienced forward leading Blackpool’s line ??" looks a strong candidate to open the scoring on Tuesday night. Since Ian Evatt’s arrival, Fletcher has flourished in a more fluid attacking setup, using his intelligent movement and physical presence to trouble defences early on. His sharp instincts in the box and aerial ability make him a constant threat from crosses and set pieces, while his knack for finding space between defenders could exploit Tranmere’s recent defensive lapses. With confidence flowing through the Blackpool camp and service coming from the flanks, Fletcher is well poised to strike first and set the tone for the Seasiders’ push to top the group.