For a competition that managers don’t treat that seriously until the final stages the Carling Cup doesn’t really throw up that many surprises. The competition has been farmed by Manchester United and Chelsea in recent years and it comes as know surprise to see these big hitters heading up the market.
This is a competition where any manager with concerns over relegation will want to get knocked out as quickly as possible, those Championship bosses with Premiership aspirations will also have a similar strategy so in reality it is the second tier Premier teams who field a strong squad that are the only realistic dangers to the top clubs who can play strong reserve sides during the early rounds.
Since 2005 only Spurs have broken the domination of United and Chelsea but Arsenal are the puntinplay value to end the trophy less years for Wenger. They will be desperate to get some silverware at the Emirates and on their day they are the most attractive side in the Premiership. At 12/1 they are double the price of United and Chelsea and represent a strong each-way punt.
Last season we highlighted Aston Villa in the competition and we subsequently hit the bar as they were slightly unlucky losers to United in the final. This year we are recommending the Blue side of the City and we feel that Birmingham are over priced at 33/1. Regular followers will probably remember the FA Cup run when we highlighted the 100/1 value associated with the McLeish side. Portsmouth beat them in the quarters but the Blues have made a satisfactory start to the season and they should beat Rochdale on Thursday in front of the Sky.
