Carling Cup Preview

Leeds v Man United

Eighteen months ago Leeds earned a shock FA Cup win at Old Trafford and they are 11/2 (Victor Chandler) to cause an upset again. Despite home advantage Leeds are likely to rotate their squad with one eye on their Championship game on Friday. Sir Alex Ferguson enjoys huge strength in depth and is able to call upon Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen to lead the line. Don’t expect a slip up from the Red Devils, they are 4/7 (Coral) to win in 90 minutes.

Recommended Bet: Berbatov to score anytime @ 5/4 (Blue Square)

Arsenal v Shrewsbury
Normally a straightforward game for Arsenal but in the current mailaise you won’t see people running to back them at 2/9 with Victor Chandler. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to make his debut and is 7/1 (Paddy Power) to open the scoring.

Recommended Bet: Shrewsbury to win @ 12/1 (Bet365)

Carling Cup Outright

The usual suspects dominate the betting, but with the competition often treated as a ‘reserves cup’ for the early rounds, it is a test of desire and squad depth. Man City head the betting at 5/1 (Boylesports) on account of the reserves they can call upon. Bench warmers like Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson can expect runs outs in the competition. Neighbours United have won the trophy in three of the last six years and with a strong squad the 7/1 (Coral) looks generous.

Further down the betting Alex McLeish could win the Cup for a second year with his new team Aston Villa 22/1 with Victor Chandler. With a mid-table target in the Premier League the Carling Cup affords them a realistic chance of winning silverware.