Previews

Gunners aim to shock Reds

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 28/10/2009
Football betting

The Carling Cup has reached the fourth round stage and, with just 16 teams remaining, there are three fixtures on Wednesday evening that are all worth looking at.

Arsenal entertain Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium and, with both sides experiencing mixed fortunes at present, it could be an opportunity for managers Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez to show off their youthful talent on the big stage.

Aaron Ramsey, Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere and Sanchez Watt, who scored on his debut in the last round against West Bromwich Albion, are all likely to feature for the Gunners.

Under-pressure Benitez may follow the same plan and the likes of Jay Spearing, Andriy Voronin and David N'Gog could gather some valuable first-team experience.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea, one of the sportsbook favourites to win the competition, have a home clash against Bolton Wanderers to look forward to.

Although the Carling Cup may not be on the top of Carlo Ancelotti's priority list, his team are just one place away from a quarter-final berth and the match also gives him a chance to have a look at some of his fringe players.

Bolton will hope the Blues may rest players such as Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka to give them a chance of getting through the tie with an unexpected win but, with the Italian boss chasing his first major piece of silverware, he is unlikely to make wholesale changes for the contest.

Hilario, Fabio Borini and Sam Hutchinson, who all featured in the third round 1-0 win against QPR could feature for the hosts.

Championship newcomers Scunthorpe United have been rewarded for their endeavours in the competition with a plum tie at big-spending Premier League side Manchester City at Eastlands.

Nigel Adkins' outfit have recently defeated the illustrious pair of Sheffield United and Newcastle United to move into a more comfortable position in the league table but may have their work cut out against the likes of Robinho, Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry, subject to selection.

City boss Mark Hughes may use this game as an experimental project himself and rest some of his big names ahead of their Premier League assault.

New signing Sylvinho could get a start and the returning Michael Johnson will be itching to get a run-out following a lengthy injury lay-off.

Scunthorpe are likely to field a full-strength team and have already knocked out Chesterfield, Swansea City and Port Vale to reach this stage of the competition.

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