England Carling Cup

[chris1987]

appreciate all the fantastic soccer minds we have on here. Any thoughts on these 2 matches today?

<table class="spoftitleslip" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="black" width="130">Dec 02, 2008 13:45 </td> <td class="blackbig">Burnley FC v Arsenal FC </td> <td align="right"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <table class="spofslip" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody class="blacknews"> <tr> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-tdnor" id="SM584168!1" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'SM584168!1|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="2" width="24%" align="left">Burnley FC </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-td" id="SM584168!1odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'SM584168!1|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="2" width="10%" align="left"> +330 </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-tdnor" id="SM584168!0" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'SM584168!0|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="2" width="22%" align="left">Draw </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-td" id="SM584168!0odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'SM584168!0|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="2" width="10%" align="left"> +240 </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-tdnor" id="SM584168!2" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'SM584168!2|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="2" width="24%" align="left">Arsenal FC </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-td" id="SM584168!2odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'SM584168!2|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="2" width="10%" align="left"> -154 </td></tr> <tr class="blacknews"> <td class="betting-selectbet-tdnor" id="PS584168!1" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'PS584168!1|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="3" width="36%" align="left">OVER 2½ </td> <td class="betting-selectbet-td" id="PS584168!1odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'PS584168!1|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="3" width="14%" align="left"> -133 </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-tdnor" id="PS584168!2" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'PS584168!2|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="3" width="36%" align="left">UNDER 2½ </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-td" id="PS584168!2odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'PS584168!2|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="3" width="14%" align="left"> -118 </td></tr></tbody></table> <table class="spoftitleslip" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="black" width="130">Dec 02, 2008 13:45 </td> <td class="blackbig">Stoke City v Derby County </td> <td align="right"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <table class="spofslip" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody class="blacknews"> <tr> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-tdnor" id="SM584169!1" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'SM584169!1|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="2" width="24%" align="left">Stoke City </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-td" id="SM584169!1odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'SM584169!1|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="2" width="10%" align="left"> -167 </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-tdnor" id="SM584169!0" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'SM584169!0|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="2" width="22%" align="left">Draw </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-td" id="SM584169!0odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'SM584169!0|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="2" width="10%" align="left"> +240 </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-tdnor" id="SM584169!2" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'SM584169!2|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="2" width="24%" align="left">Derby County </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-td" id="SM584169!2odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'SM584169!2|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="2" width="10%" align="left"> +375 </td></tr> <tr class="blacknews"> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-tdnor" id="PS584169!1" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'PS584169!1|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="3" width="36%" align="left">OVER 2½ </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-td" id="PS584169!1odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'PS584169!1|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="3" width="14%" align="left"> -118 </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-tdnor" id="PS584169!2" onmouseover="M2(this);" onclick="MC4(this,'PS584169!2|;');" onmouseout="M1(this);" colspan="3" width="36%" align="left">UNDER 2½ </td> <td class="betting-selectbetgrey-td" id="PS584169!2odds" onmouseover="M6(this);" onclick="MC3(this,'PS584169!2|;');" onmouseout="M3(this);" colspan="3" width="14%" align="left"> -133 </td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[PMAC]

FROM ESPN SOCCERNET

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is expected to all-but abandon his squad rotation policy for the Carling Cup quarter-final against Derby as a Wembley date comes closer for the Potteries side.

Pulis made wholesale changes for the two previous rounds against Reading and Rotherham, retaining only two of his first-choice Premier League side for the clash with the Millers.

But the reality of being just three games from Wembley - the last time Stoke were there was when they beat Chelsea in the League Cup final of 1972 - is persuading Pulis to use his top stars against Derby at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday.

He will be without striker Dave Kitson, who is still recovering from a knee injury, while midfielder Michael Tonge is cup-tied.

Pulis may well include second-choice goalkeeper Steve Simonsen in place of Thomas Sorensen, while Irish midfielder Glenn Whelan could figure.

Stoke have won five of their last six home games, and will be favourites to reach the last four despite Derby's resurgent form this term under Paul Jewell, having been relegated from the top flight last season.

Pulis said: "We are desperate to win this one, and get to the semi-finals.

"It would be a fantastic achievement. We will be going for the win and my side will reflect that.''

He added: "This is a massive game for this club, and a game we will be desperately trying to win in front of our own supporters.

"When they are at their best they can make a major impact on results for us, and I hope they are in good voice this time.

"This is a rare opportunity for this club to reach the semi-finals of a major competition, and we are determined to take it.

"We all know that Derby have been through the mill as a club in the last year or so, but the fact remains that Paul Jewell was a good manager and he is still a good manager.

"For me he is clearly the man to bring the good times back to the club. And they will look at this match and believe they can win it, so we have to be on top of our game from the start.''

Jewell remains without three key central defenders in Dean Leacock (groin), Martin Albrechtsen (calf) and Claude Davis (hamstring).

Two on-loan players in Charlton striker Luke Varney and Arsenal midfielder Nacer Barazite are cup-tied and unavailable.

But a third in West Ham defender James Tompkins, who joined last week, is in the squad.

Jewell has described Pulis as loud and argumentative - although he still has the utmost respect for the Stoke boss.

"I know Tony well,'' said Jewell.

"He never stops talking, has the loudest voice in the world and is the most argumentative person I've ever come across, and I thought I was argumentative until I met him.

"But he is a character, full of enthusiasm and he's done a terrific job at Stoke after serving his apprenticeship at places like Gillingham and Bournemouth.

"As he is now in his second spell at Stoke, he has put to bed the theory you should never go back.

"I think many people have underestimated the job he has done at Stoke, but I haven't, and I don't think other people in the game have either.''

Ahead of the game Jewell has warned his players not to fall into the trap that has snared some big names so far this season.

Although long-throw specialist Rory Delap has attracted headlines, Jewell believes they have another "secret weapon.''

"They can play,'' insisted Jewell.

"There's a misconception in football that Stoke are only physical, and when you get tagged with something in the media it stays with you.

"Tony will be saying to his players that people think they are a bunch of hammer-throwers, when they know they're not.

"But then it will suit him for people to say how horrible his side are to play against.

"A lot of people are frightened and beaten before they get there, with a lot of his players underestimated as individuals. They are far from one-dimensional.

"So you underestimate Stoke as a footballing team at your peril. They have far more about them than people give them credit for.''

 

[PMAC]

Burnley boss Owen Coyle will check on the fitness of winger Wade Elliott ahead of the Carling Cup quarter-final at home to Arsenal.

Elliott has missed the Clarets' last two matches due to a groin strain while Christian Kalvenes and Remco van der Schaaf could again miss out after recent injuries and illness.

Striker Steve Thompson is ineligible to play after he represented Cardiff in an earlier round of the competition, so in-form Martin Paterson will again lead the attack.

Coyle knows his side will have to be at their best to beat the Gunners array of young talent which has cruised to victories over Sheffield United and Wigan so far in the competition.

But, having eliminated Chelsea last month, Coyle sees no need for his team to fear Arsenal, especially as the success at Stamford Bridge was totally deserved.

"We are being spoken about in nice terms but we are under no illusions about how difficult this will be,'' he said.

"We will have to be totally concentrated and focused.

"But we will also look to commit players forward and make a game of it. When we do have the ball I want my players to express themselves.

"We have reached where we are by playing good football and I see no reason to change.''

For a club with such a rich tradition and history, Burnley have been in the doldrums for far too long.

The success of neighbours Blackburn has only made their fans even more desperate for some of their own, ensuring Turf Moor will be packed to its 22,000-capacity for the first time in Coyle's tenure when Arsene Wenger brings his team north for the second time in a year.

On the last occasion, a full-strength Arsenal side registered a two-goal triumph in the FA Cup. Coyle is about to discover how much progress they have made.

"We are an improved team from then,'' said Coyle.

"This is a very traditional club but to even be talking about reaching the semi-finals shows how far we have come.''

Veteran defender Mikael Silvestre is expected to provide the experience for Arsenal at Turf Moor in a side that may include Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey, 16-year-old Jack Wilshere and striker Jay Simpson.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and strikers Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela are set to provide some first-team experience, while summer signing Amaury Bischoff is also in contention after his return to match-fitness.

Ramsey does not turn 18 until Boxing Day, but is certainly the most established of Wenger's new generation after making his debut in the Champions League qualifier against FC Twente.

Since then, appearances in the Barclays Premier League and Carling Cup have followed, with Ramsey notching his first senior goal in the 5-2 victory away to Fenerbahce at the end of October.

Now a full international after being part of a young Wales side which won in Denmark earlier this month, Ramsey feels he can go from strength to strength as he targets a regular place in Wenger's first team.

"I am really enjoying it. It has been a big learning curve since I joined, but I already feel as if I have learned a lot here,'' Ramsey said.

"Playing alongside world-class players in training every day is a big help.

"I like to attack, I like to get forward and join the strikers when I can - I have always liked the way Steven Gerrard plays and I have tried to model myself on him and his game.

"I just want to kick on now, try and force my way into the starting XI and play week-in week-out.

"I want to make myself an established first team player for Arsenal. I am quite an ambitious person, so I have always had high expectations.''

Wenger feels the future is bright for the young Welshman.

"He is a player who has personality and a fantastic engine,'' the Arsenal manager said.

"He is always available and does not hide. He has good vision and I believe he will be a very big player in the future.''

 

[PMAC]

Carling Cup Preview: Burnley - Arsenal

While Arsenal's elder statesmen continue to either dazzle or frazzle in the Premier League, the club's Carling Cup kids remain impressive.

Once A Claret

It could have been oh so different for one of Arsenal's expected starters. English midfielder Mark Randall spent a three month loan at Burnley last January, and despite picking up niggling injuries, the scheming midfielder left a sufficient impression on Burnley boss Owen Coyle that the Clarets chief wanted to renew that deal in the summer.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is an admirer of Randall's talent though and believed his development would accelerate further if he remained in north London.

All Eyes On Arsenal

Arsenal's League Cup sides have always impressed. Quincy Owusu-Abeyie anyone? But the current crop seem to be bursting with talent. Whether it is the playmaking and almost Joe Cole-esque attacking abilities of Jack Wilshere; the pace, dynamism and finesse of Mexican prodigy Carlos Vela; the accuracy of Fran Merida's passing; the burgeoning shot-stopping of Lukasz Fabianski; or the versatility of Welshman Aaron Ramsey.

Burnley have a game on their hands. But what the young guns make up for in skill and flair, Burnley could match with stubborness, strength, and experience. The same has been said of opponents in the past. Wigan Athletic for instance were supposed to pose a Premier League test for the guns, but the Latics misfired while Arsenal were emphatic. Home advantage at a 22,000 capacity Turf Moor could be key, and confidence will be through the roof after their smash and grab penalty victory over London giants Chelsea.

Playing To Attack

Regarding their fourth round victory, and the prospect of facing Arsenal, Coyle is quoted to have said:

"We are being spoken about in nice terms but we are under no illusions about how difficult this will be. We will have to be totally concentrated and focused.

"But we will also look to commit players forward and make a game of it," he warned. "When we do have the ball I want my players to express themselves.

"We have reached where we are by playing good football and I see no reason to change.''

FORM GUIDE

Burnley

Nov 29 Burnley 3-0 Derby (FLC)
Nov 24 Barnsley 3-2 Burnley (FLC)
Nov 22 Burnley 0-0 Doncaster (FLC)
Nov 15 QPR 1-1 Burnley (FLC)
Nov 12 Chelsea 1-1pens Burnley (CC)


Arsenal

Nov 30 Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal (PL)
Nov 25 Arsenal 1-0 Dynamo Kyiv (CL)
Nov 22 Manchester City 3-0 Arsenal (PL)
Nov 15 Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa (PL)
Nov 11 Arsenal 3-0 Wigan Athletic (CC)


TEAM NEWS

Burnley

Midfielder Wade Elliot has a groin problem and will face a late fitness test to assess his availability.

Christian Kalvenes and Remco van der Schaaf are also doubtful

Likely XI: Jensen - Alexander; Carlisle; Caldwell; Jordan - McDonald; Gudjohnsson; McCann; Eagles - Thompson; Blake.


Arsenal

Due to Arsenal fielding two different sides; one for the Premier League and one for the Carling Cup, the last eleven listed below was the team that slayed Wigan Athletic last month at the Emirates.

The same team is likely to feature on Tuesday evening, and there are even rumours of crocked Crozilian striker Eduardo da Silva being named on the bench.

Da Silva will be an unlikely addition though due to him still being some way short of match fitness, together with the fact that this will be a tough away game in the north of the country, against a Championship side.

Last XI (vs. Wigan Athletic): Fabianski - Hoyte; Djourou; Song; Gibbs - Wilshere; Randall; Ramsey; Merida - Simpson; Vela.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Burnley

Winger Chris Eagles was educated by Manchester United. A right winger by trade, he has been utilised on either flank of late, and was initially seen as a replacement for David Beckham. That hype turned out to be misguided, but he can still pose a threat and the full backs - who like to get forward - will need to concentrate on their positioning so as to now allow Eagles a look in.

Arsenal

Where to start? There's so many. Jack Wilshere is a crowd favourite and is relishing the plaudits. He has a maturity on the ball, and his vision is outstanding.

PREDICTION

Burnley 0-3 Arsenal

 

[Cusipz]

I like Arsenal and Stoke at those prices....GL.

 

[DialSquares]

i was thinking 2 teamer
burnley AH +1
stoke draw no bet

pays -117


but officially no play or at least waiting for full lineups. Rumour of Da Silva on the bench makes me excited as a gunner fan. Although i think there is no way he'll play, the thought that he might return soon is exciting.