Carling Cup / Feizal Rahman / 22 September 2009 /

Both Manchester United and Wolves won their respective Premier League matches at the weekend albeit, in slightly different circumstances. United will fancy their chances of going far in this competition and should have no problems disposing of Mick McMarthy's men, says Feizal Rahmann.

With the adrenaline rush of Sunday's dramatic derby win still lingering in the collective bloodstream, Manchester United now face the first defence of their Carling Cup title against a visiting Wolverhampton Wanderers - United [1.36] to win over 90 minutes, Wolves [10.5]. Like most Premier League heavyweights in recent years, United view the league cup as an opportunity to show off their strength in depth and assess a few youngsters but some of the established names can still be expected to feature.

Scorer of the last gasp 96th minute winner against City, Michael Owen, may be rewarded with a rare start up front (likely to be around [5.0] to open the scoring), while midfielders Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes could feature to retain a level of experience in the line-up. However, it will be hot attacking prospects such as Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck (both around [3.0] to score anytime) who will be looking to make an impact and give reason for manager Sir Alex Ferguson to mark their card for future appearances in the more prominent fixtures.

It was this blend of the young and old that led United to only their third league cup win last season and there's no reason to suggest it cannot go on to reproduce a similar result. In the four Carling Cup games at Old Trafford last season, there was an average of nearly five goals per game with United bagging 13 goals in total. Over 3.5 goals for this contest trades at [2.92] with Over 4.5 goals available at around [5.4].

United have, however, been questionable in defence so far this season and with cup stalwart Tomasz Kuszcak a likely starter in goal - along with relative unknowns such as Ritchie de Laet and Joe Dudgeon possibly featuring in the backline - the visitors may fancy their chances of finding the net. Indeed, the cup holders conceded in three of their four home wins in this competition last term though the odds on them keeping a clean sheet here should be around [1.8].

Wolves travel to Manchester on the back of their first home league win this season at the weekend. Striker Kevin Doyle scored his first Premier League goal for the club in the 2-1 victory over Fulham and may retain his place in attack (around [5.0] to score at anytime). Former United trainee Sylvan Ebanks-Blake made his return from injury in that game and, apart from earning an all-important run out to regain match fitness, may have more incentive that most to put one past his former club - the top scorer in the Championship last season is also likely to be around [5.0] to do so.

Winger Michael Kightly was another to return from lengthy injury at the weekend and may be handed another opportunity to prove he is back in first team contention. Serbian international, Nenad Milijas, was touted by some as one of the shrewdest signings of the summer having greatly impressed for his country who currently sit top of their World Cup qualifying group. The cultured midfielder has thus far struggled with the transition to Premier League football but, should he find form, could prove a valuable asset for the West Midlands side.

However, having brought in a handful of fringe players for the second round win against Swindon Town, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is clearly another manager who doesn't hold the Carling Cup in high esteem and given the opposition, he may view it prudent to again rest several first team names with Premier League survival the clear priority this year.

Incredibly, Wolves have gone to extra time in seven of their last nine Carling Cup games but this is the first season that they have made it as far as the third round since a fourth round exit at Arsenal in 2004. With the level of competition restricted to lower league opposition since, an additional 30 minutes action away at a Manchester United side with their tails up seems most unlikely, with a generous [5.6] available about the contest being all square after 90 minutes.

With Michael Owen certain to be desperate to add to his Old Trafford goal tally and the youngsters around him keen to impress, the Wolves backline is sure to be in for a busy night. Scottish international defender, Christophe Berra put in a sterling performance to stifle Fulham's attack at the weekend and a repeat performance may be required if the visitors are to keep the scoreline respectable.

Last season's winners can, however, be taken to win this comfortably with at least a two goal advantage. The [2.06] on offer in the Asian handicap market with United -1.5 goals appeals while a 3-1 scoreline can be backed at [13.0], with Any Unquoted around [5.5]. The home side to be leading at Half Time and Full Time may also tempt at a shade under even money at [1.98].

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