The League Cup Final went through a spell in the late eighty’s and ninety’s of giving the lesser clubs in the country a chance to taste some glory, but since the turn of the century the emphasis seems to have shifted back with the one of the big-four making it to the final in three of the last four years.
The competition has generally got a reputation of the bigger clubs not taking it seriously, fielding either weakened of youthful sides. But with the best clubs in the land popping up now in the final this means one of two things. Either they have all changed their approach to this competition and are now giving it their all or their reserve/youth players are still better than the other sides first teams!!
To me, Chelsea fall more into the first category as Jose Mourinho seems to field his strongest side no matter who they play. Yes, a lot of this is due to the quality resources he has at his disposal, but after winning this back in 2005 he’ll be keen to in it back and get some early silverware in the cabinet.
In contrast Arsene Wenger, who is yet to get to the final – let along win this competition, seems to have the best crop of youngsters in the country and arguably Europe coming through the ranks. Due to this Gunners fans must be licking their lips at what they have witnessed this campaign with future seasons in mind and it must be clear to everyone now why captain Thierry Henry decided to stay put and not head to Spain.
Chelsea’s team these days more or less picks itself whatever the tournament, with superstars all over the field, but the big question surrounding this game is will Arsene Wenger continue to stay loyal to his young-guns that have done him so proud getting this far?
Obviously the advice is to keep an ear to the ground regarding team news, but my feel is that Wenger will stick with the majority of his new stars with a few extra big names added in for safety, in a game he’ll what to win without a doubt.
Both teams where in action in the Champions League in midweek away from home so there will be no advantage for either team on that front, but Arsenal with another FA Cup replay next week, have had the busier time of it of late.
In getting to the final Chelsea saw off Blackburn, Villa, Newcastle and then Wycombe in a two-leg semi-final and in doing so scored 12 goals and only conceded one (against Wycombe). This impressive run to Cardiff sees them now as 13/8 to win the final inside 90 minutes and is sure to have plenty of takers.
Arsenal’s road to the Millennium Stadium hit the headlines more than any other teams, mainly due to all the new young stars on show but also because of the 6-3 hammering of Liverpool at Anfield. They also saw off WBA, Everton and then rivals Spurs in the semis with Aliadiere and Baptista the stars of the show in those games with four and six goals respectively.
So, in a cracking looking final the sponsors ‘Carling’ must be over the moon with the finalists and with a European place up for grabs a win for either side will ease the pressure as the business-end of the season approaches.
The pair met back in December at Stamford Bridge when Michael Essien’s wonder goal cancelled out Flamini’s opener to draw 1-1.
Before that you have to go back a further eight games to find the last time Chelsea lost to Arsenal. So, even though you could argue a case for most outcomes in this match the draw at around 9/4 looks by far the safest option where even if someone goes ahead you will still have a good run for your money.
Still clinging on to the draw theory covering Halftime Chelsea-Fulltime Draw and Halftime Arsenal-Fulltime Draw both at 15/1 has paid dividends before for readers of this column in these types of matches and is also worth a small interest.
Recommended Bets
3pts - Draw
1pt - Halftime Chelsea - Fulltime Draw
1pt - Halftime Arsenal - Fulltime Draw
• All prices correct at time of writing.
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