Carling Cup Final: The Long Wait Will be Over

Arsenal and Birmingham meet at Wembley on Sunday both in search of their first trophy for years, Arsene Wenger’s lack of silverware in recent years has been highly publicized whilst Birmingham are the constantly regarded as sleeping giants.

The Blues, last and only major trophy was the League Cup back in 1963, they did reach the final of the same competition back in 2001 when they lost to Liverpool on penalties. Their fans are desperate for success, could Sunday provide them with glory?

The Gooners, have had a much more successful history; since their opposition’s win back in ’63 Arsenal have won six league titles, seven FA Cups and two League Cup wins.

Team News

The Reds had two major blows in midweek when Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas were both ruled out with injury. Three players who missed the 1-0 win at Stoke were Robin van Persie, Laurent Koscielny and Abou Diaby who are all expected to be fit for the final.

Alexander Hleb is unlikely to face his old side as he is struggling with injury and David Bentley is cup-tied having been in the Tottenham side that lost to Arsenal back in round three.

Odds …

Even without their skipper Arsenal are clear favourites at 8/15, with the draw at 3s and for Birmingham to pull off a shock you can get 11/2.

Birmingham are likely to be hard to break down and will play a tight game, and at 11/2 they could be good value.  For first goal scorer in-form Nikola Zigic could be an interesting bet at 10s.

Value is not good for a straight win for Wenger’s side but for first scorer look at two of the players returning from injury who could be worth backing. Van Persie, who has been enjoying a rich run of form is 15/4 and Abou Diaby, who is always a goal threat is 12s.