Carling Cup: Manchester City v Birmingham City Odds and Betting Preview

MANCHESTER, UK -Β Carling Cup holders Birmingham City begins the defence of their title at the City of Manchester Stadium tonight against high-flying Manchester City, but according to the bookmakers they have a stern task facing themselves.

Despite going the distance last season and famously beating Arsenal in the final at Wembley Stadium, Birmingham City have been chalked up as the 14/1 underdogs by totesport to win the match in 90 minutes. Even a draw would be a suprising result, as it is as big as 11/2 with bet365. Bookies cannot see past a home win and Ladbrokes have priced it up accordingly at just 1/4.

One of the big talking points of the match is likely to be former England international Owen Hargreaves, who is expected to make his debut for Manchester City in the tie. Roberto Mancini is expected to rotate his squad, but he is still eager to squeeze wins out of his extensive squad, even if the Carling Cup would appear to be towards the bottom of his list of priorities. Edin Dzeko will probably lead the attack, whilst Birmingham welcome back Nikola Zigic into the squad.

The correct score betting revolves around Manchester City wins, the most likely being 2-0 at a top price of 13/2 with William Hill. 3-0 to the home side can be backed at 7/1 with Boylesports, just ahead of 1-0 which is a 9/1 shot with bet365, who will refund losing correct score bets on the match if it finishes in a bore draw. 3-1 and 4-0 wins for Manchester City can both be backed at 10/1 with Betfred, whilst Birmingham’s best hope is to take the match into extra-time after a 1-1 draw, which is at 14/1 with Coral.

Punters should tread cautiously in the first goalscorer market until the starting XIs have been announced, but even so Sergio Aguero leads the way for the home side at a stand-out 3/1 with bet365. Edin Dzeko could start in his place, in which case 7/2 with Sky Bet will have plenty of takers come kick-off. Samir Nasri is 7/1 to score the first goal of the match, whilst Marlon King is Birmingham’s best hope of opening the scoring at 14/1 with bet365.

Those looking for alternatives to backing the home win at cramped odds may want to delve into the half-time/full-time betting, with the obvious choice being Manchester City/Manchester City at 7/10 with Stan James. Draw/Manchester City is 4/1 with Boylesports, and a shock Birmingham City/Birmingham City can be backed by the most optimistic punters at 30/1 with Irish bookie Paddy Power.

Finally Manchester City are 11/10 with Sky Bet to win to nil and 13/10 with Paddy Power to win both halves against the Carling Cup holders.

The match kicks-off at 7.45pm on Wednesday 21 September.

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