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Carling Cup Final betting: Drogba to shine in low-scoring affair

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TQ picks the best betting options out there as Chelsea defend their Carling Cup title against Juande Ramos' Spurs

The Carling Cup Final is finally back at its rightful home of Wembley Stadium. Sunday's final already has that extra buzz that any match at Wembley brings. The League Cup is often treated in a rather derogatory manner by clubs with other agendas, but there isn't one of the 92 Football League clubs that would not want to be walking out onto the hallowed Wembley pitch on Sunday afternoon.

Avram Grant and Juande Ramos are two of the newest managers in the Premiership and on Sunday one of them will be walking away with the season's first piece of silverware. Chelsea and Spurs go head to head in what promises to be a titanic clash that will appeal to all football fans. Can Grant finally cast the shadow of Jose Mourinho aside? Will Ramos work his magic and lead Spurs to a Wembley victory?

Of all the top teams Chelsea certainly have the most strength in depth. Their subs bench at Olympiacos was littered with top name stars and whilst firm team news is at a premium the facts are that no matter who Grant picks it will be an awesome side. Spurs on the other hand seem to have a plethora of options in attacking positions but still seem a little unsure in defence. Sure the goals conceded column has started to dry up, but when the pressure is on I feel certain all the old frailties will come rushing back.

Didier Drogba scored both goals in Chelsea's 2-1 in the final last season and he will be the key man again this year. Unplayable when at his very best, he will give Spurs' defenders a torrid time at Wembley and for me is the key to Chelsea defending their crown. Ably supported by the likes of Joe Cole, Malouda, SWP and many many more Chelsea will be too strong on the day and are a must bet in the Match Odds market at [2.16].

Chelsea are often described as solid and grinders but that does not do their style of play the justice it deserves. I feel they are more aptly described as a classy all -round team who have no weaknesses. Most cup finals open up in cagey fashion and I expect Sunday's game to be no different. On only one occasion in the last twenty Chelsea fixtures has there been a goal in the first 10 minutes of the game and with the expectation of them to dictate the opening proceedings you would have to believe that trend will continue. In the First Goal Odds market the '0-10 minutes' option is trading at [5.4] and that is most certainly a lay for this game.

Tottenham's best chance of getting a result on Sunday is to draw Chelsea onto them and try and hit them on the counter attack. This would allow the Spurs defence to maintain a solid line with decent protection from the midfield. Thus not being subject to being drawn out of position as they often are when teams hit them on the counter. There is just too much at stake for this to be an open game and although I think it will be a defensive blunder that might seal it for Chelsea, I do not expect a glut of goals. Get on the Under 2.5 Goals option in the O/U 2.5 Goals market at current odds of [1.89] and at very worst you will be rewarded with decent trading opportunities.

Spurs fans may feel that I have based much of what I have said around Chelsea's strong points and the reason behind that is I feel that theirs will outweigh Spurs' and influence the game accordingly. However, one area I do feel Spurs excel is getting down the flanks and in behind defenders with both the front men and the likes of Lennon and Malbranque all great exponents. It is from these types of positions that corners are won and I fully expect Spurs to dominate in that area on Sunday. Chelsea may well have slightly more possession but with their propensity to get the ball wide Spurs are definitely the wager in the Corners Match Bet market at odds of around [2.94].

Wembley Stadium has seen more than its fair share of high drama over the years and you can be sure there is plenty more to come. It will be an amazing atmosphere in what is a crucial game for managers, players, and fans alike. But come late Sunday afternoon one team will leave Wembley with the Cup in their hands and the other with their head in their hands.