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Carling Cup Final 2009
Carling Cup Final 2009
It is fair to say that Manchester United deserve their tag of hot favourites for Sunday’s Carling Cup final. There are not many factors that point to an upset, much to my own disappointment.
Not only am I Tottenham supporter who will be at Wembley watching Harry’s boys attempt to retain the trophy, but I would also have the bonus of collecting if the Lilywhites triumph, as a I backed Spurs at the beginning of the tournament in the midst of their Juande Ramos horror show.
Unfortunately I can only see one outcome. United have opened up a seemingly impregnable seven point advantage at the top of the Premier League thanks to a 10-match winning streak, broken the Champions League unbeaten record and conceded one goal in their last 15 league matches.
Spurs also have a shocking recent record against the Red Devils to contend with, having not beaten Sir Alex Ferguson’s men since 2001 (and that in an end of season workout). Tottenham have lost seven of their last eight matches away from White Hart Lane.
There are of course memories of last year’s unexpected victory over Chelsea to draw on, but Spurs were not quite the underdogs they are this time around. Excellent league form, a morale-boosting hammering of Arsenal in the semi finals and a full strength squad meant Tottenham were in an entirely different frame of mind when they got their suits measured last February.
In contrast, a relegation battle is now dominating manager and players’ thoughts, passage to the final was in the form of a humbling at Burnley and injury and ineligibility have disrupted preparations.
At least key defender Ledley King is set to play, meaning United should not run away the final. They have won eight of their last 13 league matches by a 1-0 scoreline and the backing of that scoreline might provide punters not willing to bet against Manchester United with a starting point.
Written by Philip Oliver, a professional sports writer who blogs about sports gambling.