Carling Cup / Mike Norman / 26 October 2009 /

It wasn't that long ago that Barnsley were knocking Liverpool and Chelsea out of the FA Cup. Now presented with the chance to eliminate United from the Carling Cup, "Mystical" Mike Norman thinks it's a real possibility.

This promises to be a scintillating encounter between manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his former player Mark Robins, the man widely regarded as having saved Sir Alex from the chop all those years ago.

Robins is now himself a promising manager, having spent two successful years at Rotherham United before moving to Barnsley in September of this year and quickly turning around their fortunes. The Tykes have won five of their eight games since Robins took over and look set to steadily climb the Championship table. But can they beat United?

I have to say, that at the odds ([7.8] for a Barnsley victory) I'm very keen to be with the home side here. The desire for Robins to get one over his old boss will be burning relentlessly inside of him, so subsequently, a 'strong as possible' Barnsley line-up is guaranteed.

The problem with this game is trying to second-guess Fergie. There have been times in the past in this competition when he has fielded a completely unrecognisable team to the norm, yet on other occasions he has sent out some strong looking sides. But at just [1.48] to back, 48 hours after their defeat to arch rivals Liverpool, and with their defence looking increasingly vulnerable (with not much strength in depth either), I'm a layer this time, not a player.

Darren Fletcher could feature if fully recovered from the groin injury that prevented him playing against Liverpool, but whether he starts or not, the likelihood is that United will be much changed from Sunday.

The Oakwell faithful will definitely be up for this one, and they will take heart from their side's great FA Cup run a few seasons back when they eliminated the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea no less. An early Barnsley goal will put real pressure on the 'second-string' United players and a massive upset could be on the cards. At [15.0] to back in the Half Time/Full Time market, Barnsley/Barnsley is my 'fun' wager for this game. Nothing like going for it is there?

Barnsely/Draw ([25.0]) and Draw/Barnsley ([17.0]) are other options for those of you who think the Tykes will do well, but for those who think United will prevail, you can back Man Utd/Man Utd at [2.24].

I'd be in complete shock - and skint for Christmas no doubt - if this game doesn't see a few goals. United's failure to score at the weekend was the first blank they've registered in over 11 games, whilst Barnsley are averaging almost two goals a game since their new boss arrived.

Add to this the usual cup-night atmosphere, the influence of the live TV cameras, and the attacking styles that both managers like to adopt, then Over 2.5 Goals has to be the selection at [1.82] (Under 2.5 Goals can be backed at [2.2], and I wouldn't put anyone off having a wager on Over 3.5 Goals at [3.0].

I'm keen not to get involved in the First Goalscorer and To Score markets without seeing the line-ups, but in the Correct Score market regular readers of my previews will know exactly what I'm about to say.

Yes, when I fancy a game to have goals I always have a wager on Any Unquoted (any team to score at least four goals). It's available to back at [6.0] this time, but 3-2 to Barnsley ([70.0]), 3-2 to Man United ([34.0]) and the 2-2 draw ([25.0]) are all options that can give you an exciting run for your money in what promises to be a very entertaining game.

Barnsley v Man Utd is live on Sky Sports 2 this Tuesday - Kickoff 7:45pm

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