THE two Carling Cup favourites are in action tonight – and both should win even though the league is their priority.
Man United head for West Ham and Arsenal entertain Wigan in the quarter-finals and I can't see anything but victories for the big two even though some first-choice stars will be rested.
Whatever XI Sir Alex Ferguson has put out this season has performed with United still unbeaten in all competitions.
The Scots boss hates to lose any game and having won the tournament three times in five years means he's started to give total respect to the competition.
United will be buoyant after their 7-1 weekend spanking of Blackburn and with Wayne Rooney not on the scoresheet he will be keen to get off and running.
The Reds are a best 4-5 with the likes of Stan James and 888sport with Rooney 17-4 at Chandler to score first.
Just to qualify for the semis it's 2-5 United with Stan James while the Hammers are 4-1 at William Hill and bet365 to win in 90 minutes and 9-4 at Hills to qualify.
Arsenal have scored two or more goals in six of their last seven home meetings with Wigan.
That stat will be music to the ears of boss Arsene Wenger who has seen his men lose at the Emirates this season to the likes of West Brom and Newcastle.
The London ground has not been a fortress but tonight Arsenal, 3-10 at boylesports, should win with plenty to spare.
Wigan are as big as 12-1 at bet365 which makes the Gunners backable at 4-5 minus one with Stan James.
On the outrights Arsenal are 7-4 favourites with Ladbrokes, Man Utd are 2-1 at William Hill then come Aston Villa at 8s with Coral and Birmingham at 12-1 with bet365.
Tonight's tip
- Man Utd/Arsenal double
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
