10th Jan 2012 | Football
Carling Cup Preview
The final four clash at Selhurst Park and the Etihad Stadium over the next two evenings.
The Carling Cup takes centre stage in midweek as the semi-final first legs get underway in London and Manchester.
First up on Tuesday, it’s the all-Championship clash as Crystal Palace entertain a Cardiff City side who sit nine points above them in the table. The Eagles have drifted out to 23/10 (Bet365) to win their home tie as Dougie Freedman tries to contend with a virus sweeping through his squad. The Welsh side are 7/5 (Bluesquare) favourites with the draw at 23/10 (Totesport).
The clash of the titans comes on Wednesday night as Liverpool head to the Etihad Stadium as 16/5 (Betfred) underdogs. Roberto Mancini will surely be keen to avoid a second poor cup result in the space of three days with his side 10/11 (StanJames) to take a first leg advantage to Anfield. The Reds would surely be pretty delighted to head home on level terms (5/2 VictorChandler).
In the overall betting City lead the way at best odds of 17/20 (Sportingbet) with the Merseysiders at 15/8 (VictorChandler). Cardiff are 9/1 (Boylesports) to lift the trophy, with Palace outsiders at 12/1 (Coral).
Odds correct at time of publishing: 15:41 10th Jan, 2012 but subject to change