Carling Cup Accumulator

The third round of the Carling Cup tends to generate more shocks than the FA Cup nowadays and that is what I am trying to hunt for in the third round. Many of the Premier League teams see the competition as an unwanted distraction and field weakened sides.

Last year seven Premier League teams played lower division teams resulting in a third round of P7-W4-D2-L1. With no replays, the two draws went to penalties with Liverpool and Everton both crashing out. Of those seven games, three saw the Premier League team play away from home, with only Manchester United winning at Scunthorpe.

Premier League reserves, playing away to teams in a lower league is a recipe for upsets. Three matches fit that scenario this week:

Leeds v Manchester United
Nottm Forest v Newcastle
Brighton v Liverpool

With United starting the season so strongly and a culture of winning throughout the squad I think they will beat Leeds. Therefore, Newcastle and Liverpool are the vulnerable teams. In both matches the Premier League side are favourites to win in 90 minutes and both should be opposed. Newcastle have a very thin squad and Liverpool are likely to field a reserve side with their focus elsewhere.

I’m not sure the Championship sides have enough fire power to win in normal time but if we back them both to qualify we have the insurance of extra time or penalties. Back Forest and Brighton to qualify in a double with Paddy Power and get odds of 13/2.