Betfair Official Blog

Carling Cup

Spurs will need King at his best at Wembley on Sunday

Click here to view market

Nik Wardle tells us why it's no surprise to see Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final and what selection dilemnas Avram Grant is facing

Chelsea have all the advantages going into this weekend's Carling Cup final. They have a more expensive squad, have more big game experience and have had an extra two days rest before the game. This is why Betfairians have made them the favourites at [2.08] on the match odds. Tottenham are at [3.15]. Chelsea were the pre-tournament favourites at [5.1] and have lived up to this billing, mainly because out of all the big four teams, they've taken this tournament the most seriously. Much could swing upon the participation of Lampard and, in particular, Terry - rumours have circulated that neither will start.

With Drogba back from Africa Cup of Nations duty, Avram Grant has to decide what to do with Anelka. Chelsea tend to look better playing 4-1-2-2-1, with Drogba at the fulcrum of the attack. Assuming Drogba plays in his favourite position, Grant will either have to leave the Frenchman on the bench or play him in a slightly wider role, which isn't his natural position. Matching Tottenham's formation and playing 4-4-2, would alleviate the striking quandary but create a selection issue in the midfield. Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Mikel and Makelele would all hope to figure in central midfield - Grant has some tough decisions ahead. I feel that Chelsea can overcome the absence of Lampard by playing Ballack but if Terry is not risked, it'll give Spurs a huge boost. Grant still has some work to do to win over the fans and if they lose to one of their rivals, having not played key players, it won't do his popularity any good.

Most of the Tottenham side picks itself. The good news is that King - the only survivor from Spurs 2002 final defeat against Blackburn - should return to be paired by Woodgate at the back. These two are such smooth operators that the fact it's the first time they've been partnered together shouldn't be of much concern. Had it not been for their injury problems, these players could've been England's first choice pair at centre back. The major decision for Juande Ramos is who will partner Jenas in central midfield. Huddlestone, O'Hara, Tainio and Zokora are all vying for a place - I think it'll be the latter who starts. Against the better sides, Spurs often fail to control the centre of midfield and this is certainly an area where Chelsea hold the aces. Spurs' season so far has been filled with conceding late goals, missing penalties and defensive gaffes - they're due a break but that's not of Chelsea's concern. It's barely worth commenting that Spurs will need Berbatov to prove his superstar status.

The White Hart Lane faithful may feel that following their stunning victory against Arsenal, this must be their year but the odds point to a repeat of 2002, where a 5-1 semi final victory is followed by disappointment in the final. It's nice to see a side outside of the 'grand slam' clubs in a final and I firmly predict more excitement in this final than last years FA Cup final. To that end, I'd back there to be over 2.5 goals at [2.2]. I'd also, just about, back Chelsea to win - with or without Terry.