Stoke v Man United: Hosts big value to KO Man United

Stoke v Man United, Wednesday 19:45, Sky Sports 1, Match Odds: Stoke 4.77/2, Man United 1.8810/11, The Draw 3.814/5

Despite winning this competition three times in the last eight years, Man United aren't a club to be relied upon at short prices to win Capital One Cup fixtures.

Shock defeats to Crystal Palace (after extra time), West Ham, Coventry and Southend in recent years all will be remembered like yesterday by opposition fans but erased from the memory of Red Devil supporters.

When you throw into the mix their clear consistency problems under new boss David Moyes, it makes the odds-on quotes for a win at a raucous Britannia Stadium look like a bet that only mugs will drag their cursor over.

Far shrewder players will be taking their mouse for a trip to the lay selection of United's odds in the 90-minute market. When chancing on a Mark Hughes side with hard-earned cash, backing said team when they play at home rather than away is when to catch them.

Despite his nightmare end as QPR boss, the former Man United bicycle kick-scoring supremo has only lost five of his last 23 home matches as a manager. His record at the Britannia with the Potters has kept the Staffordshire side's head above water in the Premier League, with just one defeat in eight league games.

The Capital One Cup is one of the few remaining chances for smaller teams to bask in some sort of limelight and Hughes, who had a great cup record at Blackburn , will be well aware that beating United and making a semi-final will perhaps win over any fans that are still sceptical about his appointment. They can be backed at 28.027/1 to win the competition outright.

To Score

When goals and Stoke are on the betting menu, maximum respect should be given to any double-figure price regarding the chances of Ryan Shawcross finding the net. Despite the removal of set-piece protagonist Tony Pulis from the dugout, the Potters still pack quite a punch from corners and free-kicks.

The Stoke skipper is always good for value to grab a couple of goals a season and this may be the time to get on. He's already bagged once this season in the Premier League against Crystal Palace and saw an effort hit the bar in the 0-0 draw at Hull on Saturday evening.

Best Bet: Lay Man United to win @ 1.910/11
Other Recommended Bet: Back Ryan Shawcross to score @ 13.012/1