Luton fans could be set for a well-earned trip to Wembley

Luton/Brighton, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Chelsea fans who complain about how hard done by they are because they are fourth in the Premier League should spare a thought for Luton’s loyal supporters. Three-and-a-half years ago they were top of the Championship but this season, despite effectively being relegated before a ball was kicked courtesy of a ridiculous thirty-point deduction, they have averaged the second highest crowd in League Two.

It’s fitting therefore that those who have sat through a season of suffering, being forced to wait until January for the privilege of reaching the zero point mark, all the while knowing that they’d be nine points clear of the drop if it wasn’t for the handicaps inflicted on Rotherham, Bournemouth and themselves, will get a day out at Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final if they beat Brighton at their Kenilworth Road home tonight.

Posted: February 17th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Make money on Tuesday’s Carling Cup action

Arsenal’s youngsters bid to better 6-0 mauling of Sheffield United

In the last round Sky Sports got it all wrong, choosing to broadcast Swansea’s drab 1-0 victory over Cardiff and missing out on Arsenal’s youngsters ripping Sheffield United apart and hammering them 6-0. Sky have done their utmost to avoid making the same mistake twice and are currently wheeling their cameras down to the Emirates Stadium in anticipation of another masterclass, which probably means we’ll all end up disappointed. Here’s our verdict on tonight’s games:

Click here to place your bets

Arsenal v Wigan
Three seasons ago during Wigan’s fairytale first term in the Premier League they overcame Arsenal in the Carling Cup semi-finals but a repeat is unlikely tonight. Wigan have lost all four of their away games against the Gunners but may at least get on the scoresheet, as they have on three of their four visits, as well as their two away games against top-six teams this season.
Betting: Home win, available at a generous 4/6 with 888sport

Derby v Leeds
Leeds have lost four of their last five away games, after initially going unbeaten in their first five trips this season and have failed to score on their last three trips to Pride Park. Derby have gone six games without defeat at home but have kept just one clean sheet there since last September, so something has to give.
Betting: Derby to win at 23/20 with Bet365; if you’re feeling very brave they are 3/1 with Paddy Power to win to nil

Manchester United v Queens Park Rangers
United have lost to Championship opposition West Brom (2003-04) and Southend (2006-07) at this stage on two of the last three occasions they have met. However, QPR’s victory at Aston Villa in the last round was their only away win in six and the West London club haven’t reached the quarter-finals for twenty years.
Betting: Home win - Tevez has started two of United’s last nine so could play and is 9/2 with Bet365 to be first scorer

Posted: November 11th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment