Carling Cup betting is a big feature of this week’s football wagers, so what do we have in store. The teams involved in European action are not in action yet, but the rest of the Premier League teams prepare themselves for some tricky ties. The second round of the Carling Cup is always great for picking up some extra bonuses in your football betting, because not all of the top teams take this too seriously, and therefore, you are more prone to seeing an underdog have their day. The Carling Cup second round betting will naturally focus mostly on the fortunes of the Premier League teams, and he we take a quick look at what is on offer for the matches on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Aston Villa v Hereford
With a solid start to the season from Alex McLeish at Villa Park, they are one of the Premier League teams with an easier looking Carling Cup tie. Hereford are stuck on one point from four games, second from bottom of League Two. So there are no immediate signs of an upset here, certainly not at Villa Park.
Prediction: Villa win 2/9 at Bet365 (Draw 11/2, Hereford 33/2)
Bournemouth v West Brom
Maybe a potential for a slip here from the Premier League side. Now, with West Brom having lost their two opening league matches against Man Utd and Chelsea, boss Roy Hodgson may want to keep his best players rested for next weekend. So this could be a tricky away match with the depth of the Baggies squad not too deep. Bournemouth have only one win from four matches in League One though, so wouldn’t be surprised to see a close thing here.
Prediction: Draw 11/4 at Victor Chandler (Bournemouth 3/1, West Brom Evens)
Brighton v Sunderland
If this had been the Sunderland from last season heading down to Brighton, then we would have been calling this differently. Brighton are doing alright, up in fourth in the Npower Championship, so Sunderland have to be wary here. They will be smarting from losing their derby match against Newcastle at the Stadium of Light on the weekend in the Premier League, so boss Steve Bruce needs a reaction. Not an attractive tie for Sunderland, but we feel that they will get through this tough task. They have built a good enough squad to change things up for the Carling Cup.
Prediction: Sunderland win 8/5 at Totesport (Bright 2/1, Draw 5/2)
Northampton v Wolves
Wolves don’t have too far to go for this one, as they look to safely negotiate their way past the League Two side. Northampton are in 17th in League Two, not producing anything spectacular so far. You think of Wolves when you think of Premier League teams who may get a shock in the cups. However, with two wins from two in the league for Mick McCarthy’s side (which no-one surely saw coming), you have to back the Premier League team to get a result.
Prediction: Wolves win 4/5 at Bet365 (Northampton 4/1, Draw 11/4)
Norwich v MK Dons
When you think of Premier League teams most in danger in the early rounds of the Carling Cup, you think of the newly promoted teams. Norwich City take on League One leaders the MK Dons, who haven’t tasted defeat in their four league matches so far. As for Norwich, they will be relatively pleased with their start in the Premier League, with two draws under their belt so far. If this fixture was reversed, we would be suggesting something different, but we think that the home advantage here should just be enough to see Norwich not lose. The MK Dons will come and battle. Could be worth a draw.
Prediction: Draw 37/13 at Victor Chandler (Norwich 4/6, MK Dons 5/1)
QPR v Rochdale
QPR had a rough introduction to the Premier League, getting hammered on their opening day, but they bounced back with a great 1-0 victory away at Everton. That will have been a great boost for them. This should be a chance to cut loose a little bit and forget about the heightened stresses of the Premier League. Rochdale, who are down in the relegation zone in League One, may have a tough time of it.
Prediction: QPR win 8/13 at SkyBet (Draw 16/5, Rochdale 6/1)
Shrewsbury v Swansea
League Two opposition in Shrewsbury will be welcomed by Swansea. The Swans have picked up one point from their opening two Premier League matches, but they should be able to enjoy this match. Sure, they’ll have bigger things on their mind, but they can stretch their legs here.
Prediction: Swansea win 11/13 at Bet365 (Shrewsbury 7/2, Draw 11/4)
Exeter v Liverpool
Yes, Liverpool have been recent Carling Cup victims in shock loses. However, this trip to Exeter, who are in the wrong half of League One, shouldn’t be too scary for them. Liverpool are a much better squad than last year, and we should see a strong enough Liverpool side to finish this job off at the first attempt.
Prediction: Liverpool win 5/12 at Paddy Power (Exeter 8/1, Draw 15/4)
Blackburn v Sheffield Wednesday
As predicted, we though Blackburn may struggle this season again. Two defeats in two games is not what the new owners wanted to see, and now they need to give the fans something to cheer about in the Carling Cup. Sheffield Wednesday will probably be banking on at least a draw here. They have won their two home games in League One this season, and lost both of their away games. Good incentive here to claim a big Premier League scalp.
Prediction: Draw 3/1 at Bet365 (Blackburn 4/7, Sheffield Wednesday 11/2)
Bolton v Macclesfield
Mixed fortunes for Bolton at the start of the new season, but they are very tough to beat at the Reebok, so would back them for a win here. League Two side Macclesfield really shouldn’t cause Bolton too many problems. Owen Coyle’s men should get this job done comfortably enough.
Prediction: Bolton win 1/3 at Stan James (Draw 9/2, Macclesfield 10/1)
Everton v Sheffield United
Very interesting tie here. Sheffield United have started the season in League One very well, sitting in third at the moment, unbeaten. In contrast, Everton were dealt a major blow, losing at Goodison Park to Premier League new boys QPR. You never know with Everton, as they don’t give much away. Could be a sniff of an upset here if Sheffield United are brave enough.
Prediction: Draw 18/5 at Bet365 (Everton 5/11, Sheffield United 8/1)
