Brentford – Hull City

Brentford started campaign in League One with one draw and two defeats in opening three rounds (good result vs. Swindon last weekend, 1-1 away). In the first round, they defeated League Two side, Cheltenham, 2-1 at home. The Bees don’t have so bright history in Carling Cup as they have not reached round three for 19 years. I think more important for them would be to keep the players fit than to try to boost self confidence tonight. However, striker Carl Cort and winger Sam Wood are injury doubts. Signing from Leicester, midfielder Nicky Adams, could have his debut.

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Hull relegated from Premier, but managed to keep majority of the team from previous season. However, thankfully to the decent amount of arrogance already faced a tough life in the second tier (Millwall 0-4). New signing is Slovenian international, Robert Koren, who already made his debut in last round. I expect him to play again, to get used with the new team mates. Also considering news from Hull camp, they should have a strong line-up. Striker, Craig Fagan, will have to wait for his debut as he has a groin problem. If they qualify, it will be for the 4th time in five seasons.

 

I’m well surprised with these odds on Hull. Big difference in quality should be enough for an away win.

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Bet: Hull -0.25ah

Odd: 2.04 188bet

Stake: 7/10

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Probably one more before kick-off.

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Brentford - Bristol City

Impossible how Ipswich managed to loose. No time for tears however, Carling Cup tonight. I am not looking for bouncing back from Ipswich, Keano stated some youngsters will get their chance for a debut. I found something else...

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After superior season in League Two, home side is having a debut in higher level. The club’s management don’t plan to stay at League One too long, as they signed 11 new players! Most of them are experienced lower division players, but some of the are well known for English football audience, like ex Newcastle striker Carl Cort, or another striker Steve Kabba. At the first round, Brentford made an excellent performance, winning on the road, against Carlisle 3-1. One of the new signings, midfielder Myles Weston (came from Notts County) scored twice for an easy victory and announced the highest ambition for forthcoming season. For this encounter, only missing for boss Andy Scott will be first goalkeeper, Lewis Price who is away on international duty with Wales in Montenegro and Nikki Bull will take his place in goal. Mentioned Steve Kabba will have his debut in attack. Bees won’t lack in motivation. Players are full of enthusiasm that playing in higher league provokes, weekend win additionally raised their confidence and opponent from Championship is a nice opportunity for proving themselves. And, possible money reward for the next round shouldn’t be forgotten.

After twenty years spent in moving between English leagues, that brought them a nickname “yo-yo club”, in 2007. City got back to the second tier. The most of the previous season was much over the expectations, but thankfully to just a single win in last twelve games, club finished 10th and lost a play-off spot. City had to face with the budget cuts and some important players, like striker Dele Adebola left the club. It seems boss Gary Johnson will have a difficult task to repeat the results from the previous season. However the Robins started with unlucky draw (2-2), against Preston away. Two goals lead wasn’t enough, as Callum Davidson equalized from the penalty kick at 96th minute! For tonight’s encounter, Johnson can not count on six regular players. Jamie McAllister (def), Paul Hartley(mid), David Clarkson (str), Lewin Nyatanga (def), Christian Ribeiro (def) and James Wilson (def) are all away on international duty. It means four defenders. Some youngsters will get their chance, including manager’s son Lee. 500 fans will travel to Brentford to help the team to repeat a result from two season ago when they won 3-0 at the same place.

Bookies gave a slight advantage to City, but odds on visitors raising as the team news coming. The facts City have scored in every League Cup match they have played since 2003 and hosts will be without regular goalie, suggest a big possibility of goals. Also I fancy home side’s chances and think they surely won’t loose. So, 1 with asian handicap 0, 2.05 at Pinnacle and over, 2.04 again at Pinnacle.

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Norwich City - Sheffield Wednesday

Norwich City is one of the clubs that fight against relegation, 20th place, two points above the line. Their current run of results give them a reasonable faith for that. In the last three games they got seven points. Home wins against play-off contender Cardiff 2-0, against rival candidate Plymouth Argyle 1-0 and great achievement on the road, 1-1 in Birmingham. Canaries have a good position before the last six round, they have enough quality to avoid relegation and after a point a St.Andrews, self confidence is on the highest level. Striker Carl Cort had a foot surgery and won't play at the rest of season, winger Lee Croft has recovered and will be contender for the first eleven.

Wednesday holds the place in the middle and they look relaxed with no interest in season finish. They have no win in last five games, with three draws in a row (Watford 1-1 and Preston 2-2 away and Swansea 0-0 at home). Against Swans they displayed very solid performance with Marcus Tudgay in charge. But, the biggest question is luck of motivation in the next games, although many times they played best when nobody seriously counted on them. Little used striker Akpo Sodje is injured, while winger Etienne Esajas is finally recovered. Loaned Derby striker Luke Varney made his good debut.

Home pitch and full crowd, beside much bigger motivation make from this game a pick of the day. I expect clear home win and just because Wednesday few times made me feel bad and their mutual games (Canaries haven't won since 09.11.2002), I'll limit my stake. Visitors will play offensive, second bet is over. For me unknown bookie Boylesports offers 2.25 for home win, while 888 offers 2.20 for home win and same odd for over. I'll take both! Home win and over.