Carling Cup / Mike Norman / 10 August 2009 / Leave a comment

The Carling Cup gets underway this week with some intriguing fixtures between clubs from different divisions. "Mystical" Mike Norman briefly previews a few of the more interesting ties and makes West Brom his best bet at [1.8].

"Back Lee Hughes to score first goal at around 6.0 in Notts County v Doncaster; Back West Brom at 1.8 in Bury v West Brom; Back Brentford at 3.25 in Brentford v Bristol City"

Notts County [2.56] v Doncaster [3.0]; The Draw [3.45]

It's incredible to think that should Championship side Doncaster beat League Two Notts County on Tuesday evening, then from a betting perspective at least, it will be regarded as a minor shock.

Such is the euphoria caused first by Sven-Goran Eriksson's appointment as Director of Football, then by the Magpies' weekend mauling of Bradford City, that Notts County are the [2.56] favourites to win this Carling Cup first round encounter. At the same stage last season (pre Sven and Middles Eastern riches may I add) County beat Doncaster 1-0 thanks to Myles Weston's extra-time goal. In fact the omens are good for the home side - they haven't lost to Doncaster at Meadow Lane since the 1973/74 season.

Experienced striker Lee Hughes is undoubtedly that man to watch. Fresh from his debut hat-trick, the former West Brom, Coventry and Oldham striker will be available to back at around [6.0] once the First Goalscorer market materialises and is worth following for the time being.

Bury [5.0] v West Brom [1.81]; The Draw [3.9]

The biggest shock of the first round will unquestionably come at Gigg Lane should League Two Bury defeat Championship side and promotion favourites West Brom. However, after Bury's embarrassing home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, followed by Albion's decent performance against Newcastle, Roberto Di Matteo's men should have no problems progressing through to the second round.

The [1.8] available for a West Brom victory is an excellent price (they will be shorter than that against rivals from their own division as the season progresses) and is marginally preferred as the best bet of the round, just ahead of the [2.88] available for West Brom/West Brom in the Half Tim/Full Time market.

Exciting full-back Joe Mattock has this morning completed a move from Leicester to Albion and he could be involved on Tuesday night should Di Matteo (as is expected) make plenty of changes. Correct Scores of 2-0 ([9.6]) and 3-0 ([18.5]) to the Baggies are my choices in that particular market.

Brentford [3.25] v Bristol City [2.42]; The Draw [3.4]

In the final 'lower league' versus Championship fixture I'm previewing I fancy Brentford at [3.25] to turn over Bristol City.

The Bees recorded an excellent 3-1 victory at Carlisle on Saturday, their first game in League One having secured promotion last season. Former Newcastle United player Carl Cort will be a great addition to Andy Scott's squad, and he can hopefully prove the difference between the two sides on Tuesday.

Bristol City were unlucky not to start their Championship campaign with a victory, conceding a last minute penalty in their 2-2 draw with Preston on Saturday. Manager Gary Johnson has admitted that his squad is a bit thin on numbers however, and that might pave the way for some young and inexperienced players to be involved against Brentford. Consider backing Over 2.5 Goals at [2.1] in what should be an open and entertaining game.

Elsewhere in round one, Norwich ([2.9]) will be aiming to restore some pride after suffering an incredible 7-1 home defeat to Colchester at the weekend, and are just fancied to beat Yeovil ([2.74]), whilst on Wednesday night, Coventry (who proved too strong for Roy Keane's Ipswich yesterday) should have no problems landing the odds ([1.7]) against Hartlepool United ([4.8]).

Tags: Carl Cort, Carling Cup, Carling Cup Betting, Doncaster, Lee Hughes, Norwich, Notts County, Sven-Goran Eriksson, West Brom