Aston Villa v Man Utd - Carling Cup Final
The facts don’t seem to back up the theory that the top clubs no longer take the Carling Cup seriously. Since Middlesbrough’s success in 2004, Chelsea, Manchester United (both twice) and Spurs have had their hands on the trophy and another of the Premier League big guns will win it again in 2009 as United defend their title against Aston Villa at Wembley.
There’s still an active market surrounding the amount of silverware Manchester United will win this season,
Man Utd Multiple Trophies Betting
and Sir Alex Ferguson is still attacking on all fronts. He certainly didn’t pull any punches with his team selections for United’s two-legged semi-final against near-neighbours City, though his plans may have been upset this week by Rio Ferdinand’s back injury.
The new England captain is facing another spell on the sidelines and joins Brazilian Anderson in the treatment room. United, of course, do have cover in central defence with Nemanja Vidic completing 90 minutes against West Ham in midweek. But United’s real strength this season has been in attack. Wayne Rooney is in the form of his life and notched another double against the Hammers. The manager will also have been pleased to see Michael Owen on the score sheet, though that may not have been enough to guarantee the former England striker a start at Wembley, even though the final may still come too soon for Ryan Giggs.
Owen can be backed at 6/1 to score United’s first goal on Sunday and is 2/1 to score anytime.
Aston Villa v Man Utd - Betting Markets
United are naturally favourites in the match betting but they are unlikely to have it all their own way against a Villa side who are undefeated since conceding a last-minute goal against Liverpool at the end of December and have scored 10 times in their last three games.
Martin O’Neill’s side also led United at Villa Park in the Premier League earlier this month but the champions fought back to secure a 1-1 draw, despite having Nani sent off after half an hour.
Villa did, however, win at Old Trafford in December so they clearly aren’t overawed about the prospect of facing United and, having rested a few of their first-choice eleven for the midweek FA Cup win over Crystal Palace, should have no problems with fatigue. The Reds have another 10 days before they face Milan again in the Champions League but that game, and forthcoming Premier League matches, are still potential distractions and that gives Aston Villa more than just a chance of causing an upset at Wembley.
The Carling Cup Final could easily go to extra time before a winner is found so the draw after 90 minutes at 12/5 makes plenty of appeal, as does the Draw/Draw Half-Time/Full-Time Forecast at 7/2.
