Bet up to £30 risk free on Arsenal progress
Despite losing 1-0 at Portman Road just under a fortnight ago, Arsenal are overwhelming [1.14] favourites to win the return fixture at the Emirates, while their odds to make it through to the final are similarly emphatic at [1.19].
Thanks to our special offer for those opening new Betfair accounts, you can bet up to £30 on this match or anything else that catches your eye within seven days of signing up and any losing wagers will be refunded, so there's no absolutely no risk involved.
There are several reasons why Arsenal going to Wembley is considered a formality, one being that since their shock defeat to Tottenham in November, the Gunners have won five and drawn two of their five games at the Emirates, whereas Ipswich have been beaten on eight of their last ten away days.
Another long-term trend that favours the hosts is that only one lower-league team has dumped them out of a cup since Arsene Wenger arrived in 1996 - Burnley at Turf Moor in 2008-09 - while home advantage in the second-leg has proven decisive in six of the last eight Carling Cup semi-finals.
Holders Manchester United overhauled first-leg deficits at this stage of the competition in each of the last two seasons with victories at Old Trafford, firstly over Derby and then Manchester City.
There is undoubtedly a case for having a loss-proof punt on Ipswich instead given the surprisingly lengthy price of [6.0] available on the Tractor Boys clinging on to reach the final, especially as boss Paul Jewell eliminated Arsenal at this point five years ago with Wigan.
On that occasion, his side enjoyed a 1-0 leg in the home leg before losing 2-1 after extra time at Highbury, a result which saw them through courtesy of the away goals. Ipswich are [24.0] to secure their place after extra time as the Latics did that night.
Arsenal v Ipswich
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Live on BBC2
Think Arsenal can be stopped this evening? Share your thoughts below...
Published: 25 Jan 2011
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