The competition heats up as the last eight teams look to reach the semi-finals stage of the Carling Cup. Seven of the eight teams play in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see how teams are shuffled in terms of the the competition’s importance. There is also a tasty Second City tie where both sets of fans would love the chance to gain bragging rights.
Arsenal v Wigan Athletic
Clearly Arsene Wenger is taking this competition more seriously than in previous years. I suppose that is what five years without a trophy does to you! It is likely the team will alter slightly from the one that played at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. After an impressive performance in the last round against Newcastle, Wojciech Szczesny is hoping to get another opportunity to show his skills. The Gunners have some good news with the earlier than expected return of Emmanuel Eboue to the squad after his injury against Braga, while Wenger has said he will speak to Robin Van Persie before deciding whether to include him in the squad.
Survival in the league will be the biggest aim for the visitors and after their loss to West Ham they may decide to rest a few players in preparation for the visit of Stoke this coming weekend. Roberto Martinez will know all about the threat of Arsenal, having never won there as a manager during his time at Wigan. This will be their hardest challenge in this years League Cup so far, having beaten lower league opposition on their way to the quarter-finals. Hugo Rodellega is still suspended though Antolin Alcaraz should return after his one-match ban. This match comes far too early for injury victims Emmerson Boyce and starlet James McCarthy.
Key Man: Tom Cleverley
Birmingham City v Aston Villa
This is the most interesting tie of the round in my opinion, with Villa having won four of their last six clashes in the League Cup. The local rivals meet with both on equal points in the Premier League and Villa still settling under new manager Gerard Houllier. Alex McLeish’s men had a boring draw at Fulham over the weekend but they will see this as a good opportunity to get the club some silverware. They are still waiting on news from the specialist regarding Craig Gardner. As they’re playing Villa the fans will want to see the strongest team available, but the manager may be cautious with them welcoming Tottenham at the weekend.
Aston Villa gave a good account of themselves on Saturday and this will give his youngsters a different challenge against a more direct team. If they can repeat the impressive spells they had against Manchester United and Arsenal they will give Brum a good run for their money. Houllier is looking more at ease with his team and they appear to be thriving under the new regime. Robert Pires will hope to get a longer run out this time around but success may again hang on the attacking youngsters and the more mature defence.
Key Man: Stephen Warnock
Ipswich Town v West Bromwich Albion
The only non-Premier League club in the competition will be going all guns blazing to get to the last four. Being at home may give them the upper hand with a packed stadium to cheer them on against Roberto Di Matteo’s men. It will also give them an opportunity to see if they can hold their own against higher level opposition as they continue to flirt erratically with promotion. They owe their fans a good show after their 4-1 loss against Norwich. Marton Fulop may join an injury list that already includes Connor Wickham, Mark Kennedy and Gareth McAuley.
The away team should keep with the players who have got to this stage with Simon Cox on three goals and Somen Tchoyi looking like the bargain of the season. They have good work ethic and great attacking ability that could worry the boys of Portman Road with goalkeeper Fulop a big doubt for this match. Chris Brunt is likely to be rested even after his brilliant performance against Everton as Di Matteo continues to play a second-string team.
Key Man: Somen Tchoyi
West Ham v Manchester United
It will be hard to predict who will come out on top in this all-Premier League tie with the teams having contrasting form in the league. We all know this counts for nothing when it comes to cup competitions. The home team will see their run in the Cup as one of the bright spells in what has been a stressful season and I can see them playing a full-strength team. They will be looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season against the Cup holders. James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas should stay in the side that scored three at the weekend.
Alex Ferguson may rest his first choice defenders as he has a couple of times his season so Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling should start. After his super show against Blackburn Rovers Dimitar Berbatov may well be rested although Wayne Rooney should start on he bench as he continues his return to full fitness. Javier Hernandez and Bebe gave good accounts of themselves last time out and they may be rewarded with a continued run in the competition.
Key Man: Robert Green
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Tags: Carling Cup