Carling Cup Last Eight Throws Up Intriguing Ties
The Carling Cup may take a lot of stick but these days the competition has developed an unexpected afterlife. For the elite it's no longer a priority but it is useful as a test ground for their up and coming players,plus as a game for disgruntled bench warmers
Equally, there are some ambitious clubs out there who can use a trophy as a stepping stone to challenge the 'Big 4'- clubs like Manchester City and Aston Villa are definitely in it to win it. With these credentials, the draw threw up the right mix of matches.
Chelsea would generally overwhelm Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge - as they did the other week- but a trip to Ewood Park evens matters up a little. Then add in the fact that Carlo Ancelotti might rest a few players and we've got the makings of a cup-tie; unless ultra-pragmatist Sam Allardyce also decides to field his reserves.
Manchester City - Arsenal can be explosive after what happened at Eastlands in September. City don't have Europe to worry about so Mark Hughes will throw his big guns at this tie. Arsene Wenger will probably keep faith with his young guns and a keenly contested contest should be the result.
Aston Villa are like City- unburdened by Europe and on the lookout for silverware to boost a drive to challenge the elite. Martin O'Neill had great succes in this competition with Leicester and he needs a cup run to convince Villa fans that the team are still moving in the right direction.
Portsmouth may be struggling but surely Paul Hart will think its worth putting out his best eleven for a home quarter-final. Many sides have turned their league form round after the boost of cup run.
The only tie that might be underwhelming in Manchester United-Tottenham. This should be a glamour tie but neither manager will send out his strongest eleven for this one. Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't quite go as far as Arsene Wenger but many of his squad players will be on duty.
This could be Spurs best chance of winning something but Harry Redknapp has shown a disinclination to chase this pot since he took over and with their great start to the season stalling, he could well field a weakened side.
