Previews

Minnows eye Cup shocks

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 25/08/2009
Football betting

The Carling Cup second round is on the menu this week and several ties look likely to throw up a test for the more illustrious sides in the pot. Here are a few that we think could bust a few coupons this week.

Gillingham v Blackburn Rovers - Sam Allardyce will take his Premiership side to Kent to face Mark Stimson's League One outfit in a tricky looking clash.

With Rovers losing their first two games of the domestic campaign, Allardyce could rest several first-team players with the league being his number one priority and the Gills could capitalise on this.

In round one of the competition the Priestfield outfit beat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 and they also destroyed Swindon Town 5-0 at home on the opening day of the league season. This bodes well for a potential giant-killing.

Can Gillingham spring another surprise and beat Blackburn Rovers in the second round of the Carling Cup? - Latest Football Betting

Port Vale v Sheffield Wednesday - After beating Sheffield United away in round one, Port Vale have been rewarded with a second round clash against the Blades' city rivals at Vale Park.

Two-goal hero Marc Richards will once again be looking to shoot down a Championship outfit and Brian Laws will be hoping his side don't emulate their city rivals' downfall a fortnight ago.

Vale boss Micky Adams should be quietly confident ahead of the clash and will be hoping to draw a Premiership giant in round three if they can upset Wednesday.

Tranmere Rovers v Bolton Wanderers - Tranmere boss John Barnes will watch his team face Premiership side Bolton on Tuesday evening.

With Ian Thomas-Moore finding his shooting boots once again for the Prenton Park club, Barnes will be hoping to catch Gary Megson's men cold when they arrive on the Wirral.

Megson could rest some of his regular first-team players as Premiership survival is of paramount importance and injuries would do their chances no favours in the competition that will not be high on his priority list.

West Ham United v Millwall - Arguably the clash of the round and a tie that promises to be explosive between the two London rivals.

Although two divisions separate the sides, League One's Millwall will fancy their chances.

Gianfranco Zola is likely to give a couple of fringe players a run out on Wednesday evening while Millwall manager Kenny Jackett and his team will be cheered on by a large and partisan Lions following.

Newcastle United v Huddersfield Town - The Magpies have started their Championship campaign in impressive style and are one of the online favourites to clinch promotion while Huddersfield Town are League One's big spenders and have also started brightly.

Their manager Lee Clark, once a Newcastle player, will be looking forward to returning to St James' Park once again and will be hoping his free-scoring Terriers can spring a surprise.

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