Carling Cup Picks - 20 September 2011

Rob Alexander hunts out some value in the Carling Cup Third Round

The Carling Cup offers teams some respite from the grind of league football and is often the location for a giant-killing as some Premier League sides make changes from their first choice teams and don't take the competition as seriously as the other domestic competitions.

There are some tough matches against lower league opposition for a couple of Premier League sides as Manchester United travel to Elland Road to face historic rivals Leeds United, while Liverpool make the long journey to face a rejuvenated Brighton and Hove Albion side.

Wolves won't have it easy at home to Millwall and Newcastle United are away to a struggling Nottingham Forest side who will be determined to find some form after a shocking 2-1 home loss to their bitter rivals Derby County, who played almost the entire match with 10 men.

Midweek Picks

Leeds United v Manchester United

Leeds United are looking forward to another match against the Premier League champions and rivals Manchester United after their remarkable 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round in November 2009. Jermaine Beckford was the hero that night and the Yorkshire side will be looking for another in this match.

Manchester United are likely to rest a host of big name players and youngsters like Will Keane and Paul Pogba likely to feature. Experienced strikers Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov are going to play, just to emphasize the strength in depth that the Red Devils have.

Leeds United are focussed on challenging for promotion and have a big match against Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend so they could make some changes too. Defender Patrick Kisnorbo is suspended.

I fancy Leeds United to give Sir Alex Ferguson's side a very tough match and perhaps to snatch a draw for a replay. The champions will be keen to exact revenge on Leeds for the last time they played but will find it very hard with a weakened side to win comfortably.

Bet 2 points on Leeds United +0.75 at 2.25 with Paddy Power and bet365.

Brighton and Hove Albion v Liverpool

Premier League big boys Liverpool travel to the south coast to take on Championship high flyers Brighton and Hove Albion in a fascinating League Cup tie. The Seagulls will be full of confidence and looking to prove their Premier League potential by upsetting a likely under-strength Liverpool eleven.

Liverpool were on the end of a hammering from Champions League rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend and with Kenny Dalglish likely to rest a few players it is the perfect time for Brighton and Hove Albion to take advantage and get a good result.

With players like Craig Mackail-Smith and Vicente in their ranks, Brighton are not to be taken lightly and I fancy them to at least to earn a reply at Anfield.

Bet 2 points on Brighton and Hove Albion +0.25 at 2.75 with bet365.