Carling Cup Betting: Boro can cause an upset at the Theatre of Dreams courtesy of the Mido touch

Carling Cup / Alsy / 23 September 2008 / Leave a Comment

Morgan in the driving seat - Allsy looks at the best fixtures being played today in the Carling Cup that include a home banker for Arsenal and potential trouble for Man Utd.

The real difference between the Premiership's Top Four and the chasing pack is their attitude to the Carling Cup. Regardless of results elsewhere it's become a competition where fringe players are given the chance to make an impression for elite Premiership clubs. History tells us that there are greater chances of long shots paying off when the pressure of Premiership and European games is removed but other "regular" Premiership teams simply can't afford to be flippant with any chance of silverware.

West Ham travel to Watford Tuesday night for a tricky fixture that offers some good value. West Ham have started the season well considering the recent departure of Alan Curbishley and, with three comfortable home wins look formidable, but are yet to win away. Watford (also without a win on the road) will welcome the chance to bloody the nose of a neighbour on home turf.

Assuming that West Ham are not awarded any phantom goals at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night Watford have a decent chance to win the game at [4.3]. I've been impressed with Watford Academy graduate John-Joe O'Toole and, with 3 goals to his name this season, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder will have the chance to mark the card of a few Premiership scouts if he performs well. Watford have lost keeper Mart Poom to injury along with Raziak and McAnuff but they have enough going forward to test a Hammer's defence yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

West Ham undoubtedly have the more talent squad but are depleted in attack. Ashton's fitness record remains poor and he'll be missing along with Bellamy who has an even worse injury record... I won't even mention Kieron Dyer. The impressive Carlton Cole is also struggling with a foot injury and should be kept in reserve with Saturday's Premiership trip to Fulham looming. Sears and Di Michele will lead the line and I expect goals but also fancy an upset. If you're not feeling too bullish back the draw at [3.6] but I suspect that a West Ham win at [2.2] will not pay dividends.

Instead look to the Emirates for a solid home-banker where Arsenal will give starts to a host of youngsters against Sheffield United. I don't predict any joy for the visitors. Wenger's second-string almost won the competition two seasons ago and they have the talent to reach the latter stages again.

Ramsey, Wilshere, Hoyte (Gavin), Djourou, Song and Fabianski will provide a solid spine while Bendtner and Vela up front will be eager to impress. Sheffield will field their strongest team led by James Beattie. He has Premiership experience (and has greatly improved since leaving Everton) but he'll have limited opportunities. I'd put the house on Arsenal at [1.43] and don't suggest backing the draw at [4.9] or a Sheffield win at [9.6].

After backing home wins I'm going to suggest an upset at the Theatre of Dreams of all places. Manchester United host Middlesbrough and should win but for a few mitigating factors - Sir Alex will rest a host of players. I concede that their replacements should be able to win but Middlesbrough are no Sheffield United.

After winning Manager of the Month for August Gareth Southgate's team have naturally lost two in-a-row but they do have the talent to cause an upset against a United team who have not quite gelled this season. Middlesbrough at [6.4] to win seems generous to me as does the draw at [4.0].

Middlesbrough have some excellent defenders in the shape of Wheater, Taylor and Pogatetz and, with attacking players like Downing, Alves and Mido in their rank, will feel they can score. Manchester are [1.66] to win but this is no Premiership fixture... I'd wait for the team sheets before making a move but if United look a little threadbare I'd back Middlesbrough to cause an upset pretty sharpish.