SEPT 21: CARLING CUP

AS predicted Man United and Arsenal beat lower-league teams with seriously weakened sided – and on Wednesday it's the turn of Man City and Chelsea to turn up the heat in the Carling Cup.

Man City boss Roberto Mancini has said he'll make five or six changes to his line-up and that means the likes of Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and David Silva sitting out the Carling Cup clash at home to Birmingham.

However, with a home crowd to please and up against an outfit with a similar European commitments I can see City battling through. They are a biggest 1-4 with Ladbrokes and Stan James so for better value look to back Carlos Tevez, who has been overshadowed this season by Aguero and Dzeko, to score first if he starts.

Chelsea will also ring the changes for their home clash against Fulham. The Blues are a best
2-5 with Coral against another side likely to make changes because of their Euro commitments.

Liverpool don't have European football to contend with and that makes them dangerous Carling Cup opponents.

Kenny Dalglish takes his men to Brighton and the timing is a nightmare for the Seagulls who have an important league clash at home to Leeds on Friday. They're sure to rest some stars while Liverpool are boosted by the inclusion of Steven Gerrard in their squad for the first time this season.

Gerrard is unlikely to start but Dalglish is putting out a strong side and I'll be on the Reds at 4-6 with William Hill and Ladbrokes.

Everton face a West Brom side who'll treat the tournament with the usual contempt of boss Roy Hodgson.

Winning league points is West Brom's priority and even if Everton aren't at full strength they should be backed at 8-11 with the likes of Ladbrokes and Chandler.

Elsewhere best bets in the Cardiff v Leicester and Southampton v Preston ties are both teams to score.

Recommendations

Liverpool/Chelsea double

Tevez to score first

(10-3, bet365)

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