Carling Cup: Shock Double

Tuesday night has two matches primed for ‘giant-killings,’ although given the half-hearted approach that some of the bigger sides adopt for this competition, shocks should never be that shocking. Brighton are remarkably 2/1 to beat Sunderland at their new stadium, which on form looks like a steal. Similarly enticing, Charlton are 15/8 to knock-out Reading in 90 minutes. The double can be backed at 15/2 with VictorChandler.

Brighton have made light work of the step up in class they supposedly took after promotion from League One. Having won that division at a canter, they are currently unbeaten in the Championship with 10 points from four matches; it would have been a 100% record if Kevin Phillips hadn’t struck twice, including in the 90th minute for Blackpool.

Sunderland suffered a hugely disappointing 1-0 reverse to neighbours Newcastle on Saturday. Steve Bruce will head to the Amex Stadium with the natives restless; heavy investment hasn’t brought instant improvements following the disappointing second half to last season. The Blackcats’ boss is likely to make wholesale changes to his starting line-up but the Seagulls should fancy their chances whatever side is put out. Craig Mackail-Smith has settled quickly for the hosts and he could show what he’s capable of against Premier League opponents.

The blueprint looks the same for why Charlton can beat opponents from a higher division as well in midweek. Reading look like they are suffering from the fabled play-off hangover that has afflicted so many before them. Despite an encouraging win over Leicester City, the Royals look a side thinking about what could have been. The 2-1 home defeat to Barnsley on Saturday was desperately disappointing and followed on the heels of a 1-0 loss to Portsmouth. Not the results of a side pushing for promotion this time round. Watching Shane Long doing the business in the top flight without them probably doesn’t help.

In contrast the Addicks are going from strength to strength in Leauge One. Much like Brighton, only an injury time goal for Scunthorpe denied Chris Powell’s side maximum points from four matches. Still, sat second only on goal difference, they have no reason to fear their visitors in the Cup. The upset double is on, and at odds of 15/2 with VictorChandler, the bookies seem to have forgotten how often the higher-ranked sides tumble out in this competition.