Carling Cup: The excitement begins

The League Cup or popularly known in the footballing circles as Carling Cup has always been dismissed by the top teams as a waste of time and resource. Many top managers have repeatedly called for its boycott. Yet unfailingly, this competition has provided us with many memorable dramas and talking points over the years. And to mention the fact that this tournament is a breeding ground for the youngsters and the ones fallen out of favour would just be an understatement. Although this cup competition comes at the bottom of the wishlist for most gaffers as a result of failing to compete with cash rich championships elsewhere, if we look down in the annals of history, this tournament has many times been the saving grace for many of the best teams in their uninspiring seasons.

Tonight the League Cup third round action begins and in come the big boys in action, amidst the talk of a two horse race in the Barclays Premier League and a string of surprise results in the Champions League. And with a flurry of tricky ties lined up for the fans, expecting some upsets cannot be ruled out .

The biggest match of this week would definitely be the War of the Roses, or the match between Manchester United and Leeds United. Traditional and bitter rivals, Manchester United would still remember their 1-0 loss to this same opponent in the third round of the FA Cup three years ago, and will look for revenge. Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated the fact that a completely changed side would take the field against Leeds at Elland Road. With seniors such as Berbatov, Michael Owen and Macheda set to start or play some part in the match, other youngsters would also get a chance to prove Fergie their talent. With the team most probably being led by Ryan Giggs, it would make for a perfect combination of raw youth and experience. Leeds, on the other hand, are expected to be lining up their best possible squad in the biggest match of their season so far.

Chelsea square off against Fulham in a West London Derby on Wednesday. Chelsea would be looking to make an immediate mark after some absurd performance against Manchester United and the Carling Cup would be a welcome breather for the Stamford Bridge side. Fulham on the other hand, languishing at the bottom of the table, rose to the occasion and held mighty Manchester City and would like to keep the momentum going .

Elsewhere, Manchester City look set to hand Owen Hargreaves his debut following his highly controversial transfer. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand would be dreaming of giving the fans an early round shock as they host the Blue half of Manchester. Whether City are ready to challenge on all fronts would be put to test tonight .

Arsenal would also be looking forward to putting their tumultuous season behind as they take on Shrewsbury Town at the Emirates. It remains to be seen as to which squad Wenger finally fields amidst growing concerns and pressure .

The Full List of Fixtures :

(All timings in BST)

Wednesday 21st September

Everton		vs		West Bromwich Albion
Kick-off at 20:00 at Goodison Park

Brighton & Hove Albion		vs		Liverpool
Kick-off at 19:45 at The AMEX

Cardiff City		vs		Leicester City
Kick-off at 19:45 at Cardiff City Stadium

Chelsea		vs		Fulham
Kick-off at 19:45 at Stamford Bridge

Manchester City		vs		Birmingham City
Kick-off at 19:45 at Eastlands

Southampton		vs		Preston North End
Kick-off at 19:45 at St Mary’s

Tuesday 20th September

Blackburn Rovers		vs		Leyton Orient
Kick-off at 20:00 at Ewood Park

Crystal Palace		vs		Middlesbrough
Kick-off at 20:00 at Selhurst Park

Aldershot Town		vs		Rochdale
Kick-off at 19:45 at Recreation Ground

Arsenal		vs		Shrewsbury Town
Kick-off at 19:45 at Emirates

Aston Villa		vs		Bolton Wanderers
Kick-off at 19:45 at Villa Park

Burnley		vs		MK Dons
Kick-off at 19:45 at Turf Moor

Leeds United		vs		Manchester United
Kick-off at 19:45 at Elland Road

Nottingham Forest		vs		Newcastle United
Kick-off at 19:45 at City Ground

Stoke City		vs		Tottenham Hotspur
Kick-off at 19:45 at Britannia Stadium

Wolverhampton		vs		Millwall
Kick-off at 19:45 at Molineux Fixtures : Courtesy Carling.com