Picking our way through the Carling Cup minefield

Ah the Carling Cup. The trophy that seemingly nobody wants to win. For years the big teams in the Premier League have treated the competition as a kick-about for their youth team and fringe players and now it seems that even the lower league teams view it as something of a distraction. With unusual team selections likely it makes betting on the any of this week’s games an absolute nightmare.

So forget about backing any ‘certainties’ tonight, instead look for value elsewhere.

Bournemouth 4/1

The Cherries got their season off to a cracking start with a highly impressive 3-0 win over Bury on Saturday and confidence will be sky high, especially when they’ve no points penalty to overcome this season. They face a trip to Millwall in the first round and could spring a surprise. The Lions have a good record at home but have huge defensive problems and could be exposed by a positive Bournemouth line-up. The away win can be backed at 4/1 (Bet365, Betfred, Canbet, Centrebet, Expekt, Paddy Power, SkyBet, Stan James).

Dagenham & Redbridge 7/1

This one is a bit of a longshot but after a bug swept through the team at the weekend, Cardiff are now without 3 full internationals for the game and have had to ask Finland to release Peter Enkleman to play in goals. Not only that but they’ve a further 4 players on Under 21 duty so boss Dave Jones has some selection problems. “We will be using a lot of the YTS boys, whether it be on the bench or on the pitch,” said Jones, so can Dagenham & Redbridge take advantage? It’s a big ask but they got off to a winning start at Crewe on Saturday. They finished last season well too winning 6 of their last 8 games. I guess it’s a question of whether Dagenham & Redbridge’s first team are better than Cardiff’s youths? Might be worth a wee punt at 7/1 (SkyBet)

Barnet 3/1

Malky Mackay’s managerial baptism could not have been tougher. At Watford he’s walked into a club in a bit of turmoil.They managed a 1-1 draw at Doncaster on Saturday but don’t be surprised to see them slugging it out near the bottom all season long. The sale of Priskin and imminent departure of Smith suggest there are more uncertain times ahead for the Hornets and the last thing they need is a full-house cup game at lower league opposition. Barnet have a full-fit squad to choose from and did well against Arsenal, Charlton Athletic and Southend United, all higher league opposition, in pre-season friendlies. They’ll fancy their chances of an upset and attack minded boss Ian Hendon will no doubt give it a real go. Back Barnet at 3/1 with Betfred or Stan James.

So there you go, some potential upsets on the cards? or will the big boys prove their superiority? Let me know your tips in the comments below.

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