The cat that got the cream
The season may have only just started but the League Cup is already underway and we are nearing the point at which the top clubs play their part – which is where the major action begins. The second round serves up some interesting fixtures such as Accrington Stanley vs Newcastle United, Southampton vs Bolton Wanderers and Fulham vs Port Vale. Leeds United’s 4-0 drubbing of Lincoln City has earned them another home tie, against Leicester City and the reward for Oxford United thumping Bristol Rovers is a trip to Upton Park to face the mighty West Ham.
Current Carling Cup holders Manchester United went some way to restoring the prestige of the competition last year, and some credit for that must also be given to Leeds United. One of football’s most decorated managers, Sir Alex Ferguson announced, as he had in the past, that he’d be using second string players throughout the Carling Cup. But when Leeds produced the shock of the 2009/10 FA Cup Third Round by beating Man U at Old Trafford (1-0, There’s only one Jermaine Beckford), Fergie set his sights firmly on capturing the Carling Cup. The 2 legged, Manchester derby, semi-final was every bit the full-blooded encounter you’d expect it to be, and what was virtually United’s first XI prevailed and went on to beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the final thanks to goals from Owen and Rooney.
Make no mistake, it won’t be easy to dethrone United as kings of this tournament. Using their stars, fringe players or a combination of the two, a winner like Sir Alex will not concede this title, neither will he rest on his laurels lauding last season’s triumph. He wants the trophy to still be in his cabinet come next summer!
This competition brings with it a final at Wembley for players and fans of both teams to savour and remember forever, as well as a ticket to European competition for the lucky winners. It might not be the Champions League but it’s European competition nonetheless, and it’s where the big boys need and want to be.
The second round of Carling Cup games will start in the week commencing August 23 and you can do all of your football betting, whilst enjoying the market’s most competitive odds, at Titan Bet.
Tags: Carling Cup, football betting, sports betting, Titan Bet, United