Carling Cup - 25/26th Oct

[MickeyPaul]

Here's the Doncaster preview form their official site for you, dodgy:

Doncaster Rovers vs Gillingham

We another big cup night at the Earth Stadium as Rovers look to get to the fourth round of the Carling Cup with a win against fellow League One side Gillingham. Although Gillingham sit just one place above bottom they are a somewhat draw specialist side away from home. Of the six games away from the Priestfields Stadium they have lost only two but drawn four, so will be a tough act to crack. Both sides know that a win will give them a good chance of a big payday in the last sixteen.

Dave Penney as the task of picking a side from a near fully fit squad but loses Jonathan Forte who as well as being cup tied as been recalled by Sheffield United for their Carling Cup tie. Penney does not know yet whether Neil Warnock will allow him back Dave said, "He could not play tonight and as yet I have not heard from Neil whether he can come back. We will look at it after this game" Penney as not indicated who will take his place but Lewis Guy as given the manager a push with his two goals at Barnsley last week in the LDV. Penney said "I have three lads to pick from to partner Roberts and two of them will sit on the bench if not picked" Of the other players it looks like it will be a similar side to last Saturday when Rovers were narrowly beaten at Walsall with the only doubt hanging over Simon Marples who has a dead leg but should be fit for the tie.

Gillingham Manager Neale Cooper will have to do without cup-tied on-loan striker Neil Harris for the trip. Harris, who made his 200th career league start at Bradford, played for Nottingham Forest in the First Round when they lost 3-2 to Macclesfield Town at the City Ground. Skipper Chris Hope will make his 250th appearance for the Gills on Tuesday. Hope also made his 500th career league start at Valley Parade on Saturday. Defender Leon Johnson serves the second match of a three-match suspension for his red card received in the LDV Vans First Round match against Crawley Town at Priestfield last Tuesday.

Midfielder Daniel Spiller suffered an ankle injury at Bradford and left Valley Parade with a protective cast on his leg. Due to swelling, it is too soon to know how long Spiller will be out for. Spiller has just been sidelined for two months with the same injury. Goalkeeper Jason Brown is sidelined for the next six weeks with the broken thumb he sustained whilst training with Wales ahead of their World Cup Qualifier against Azerbaijan.
Striker Darren Byfield picked up a knee injury in the defeat against Southend United and will be out for the next fortnight. Trinidad and Tobago International defender Brent Sancho pulled a hamstring against Southend and will be on the sidelines for the next two weeks. Sancho and fellow defender Ian Cox have just been called up to the Trinidad and Tobago squad for their World Cup Finals Playoff against Bahrain.

Striker Paul Shields picked up a sprained ankle in the 2-2 draw against Tranmere Rovers last month and he will miss the next three weeks.
Midfielder Alan Pouton will be sidelined for the next two to three months with a medial knee ligament injury.
Gills from: Bullock, Crichton, Knowles, Wallis, Hope, Cox, Williams, Rose, Scaramozzino, Hessenthaler, Crofts, Saunders, Spiller, Jackman, Corneille, Flynn, Jarvis, Hislop, Ashikodi, Collin.
Gills Kit: White Shirts with Blue and Red trim, White Shorts with Blue and Red trim, White Socks with Blue and Red trim.

[Kop66]

liverpool lost in this cup last season to burnley,

I think you'll find they lost in the final to Chelsea, Toscani

[kompressaur]

Doncaster odds changed! they do looks good, don't they? any advise.

why do you like them dodgy come on spill the beans

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Aye i wasn't just picking on Liverpool Kop. They were just the side i recalled from the last 2 seasons.

This is from Sky Sports..

Benitez is determined to play a strong line-up as he looks to find the answers to his side's disappointing league form and alarming lack of goals.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard could be back for the European champions after successfully coming through training unscathed.

Youngsters such as David Raven and Zak Whitbread are likely to get their chance in defence with Jamie Carragher set to be handed a rest.

Darren Potter is also expected to be given a rare start in midfield, while Harry Kewell is likely to start in a bid to build up his fitness.

Peter Crouch could start in attack as he searches for his first goal for the club and Fernando Morientes is expected to partner him up front.

Palace are still missing star striker Andy Johnson as he recovers from a knee injury.

Jon Macken has joined the casualty list at Palace after sustaining a hamstring problem.

It means that Clinton Morrison will again shoulder the goalscoring burden with Dougie Freedman set to partner him in attack.

Eagles boss Iain Dowie is sweating over the fitness of Jobi McAnuff and Danny Butterfield before he finalises his side.

Definately think this is an in running bet for myself as just now i can't tell for sure what the side will be roughly.

[kompressaur]

Doncaster still 5/6 at stan James btw

[dodgy]

Sorry Komp, is not that I like them, but when never the willhill odds changed, there must be a lot of people bet on them, so i guess it must be good! And further more the asian handicap changed from 0.5 to 0.5/1!

[kompressaur]

Aye they have that Dodgy. Hills have moved them from 5/6 to 7/10. I'll still get the 5/6 on the coupon so i could be interested. Interesed for why there seems to be supposrt across the board for Doncaster as all the bookies sem to be shortening their price.

Anyone got any good team news from Fulham and WBA yet?

[kompressaur]

Albion Team News vs Fulham

By Sid Collins
Date: 25/10/2005

Albion could well be forced into a few changes due to injuries, even if we would have made a few changes anyway having only just played on Sunday. Junichi Inamoto should be set for a game in midfield while there could well be quite a few other changes.


Albion Team News
Fulham
League Cup 3rd Round
Tuesday 25th October 2005

Goalkeeper:
Tomasz Kuszczak should start this game with Chris Kirkland doubtful through a rib injury.

Central Defence:
Curtis Davies is cup-tied so either Darren Moore or Tommy Gaardsoe will play on the right of central defence with Neil Clement on the left.

Wing-backs/Full-backs:
Martin Albrechtsen has a hamstring problem and may not be available so Steve Watson (if fit) or Ricardo Scimeca may have to fill in. Paul Robinson should start on the left as usual.

Midfield:
Zoltan Gera is unavailable with a persistent groin strain while Steve Watson who has done well in midfield in the last two games is an injury doubt with a groin strain as well. Ronnie Wallwork will probably start after missing out against Bolton while Bryan Robson's habit of playing players against former clubs looks set to continue with Junichi Inamoto likely to play. Jonathan Greening may get a rest, but will probably start. Diomansy Kamara may start in midfield - or maybe up front like he did against Bolton. Richard Chaplow, Darren Carter, Ricardo Scimeca are all possible starters in midfield (unless Scimeca takes the right back spot).

Strikers:
Kevin Campbell and Nathan Ellington are both rated doubtful, Campbell has an ankle injury, Ellington a knee injury. Kanu is a possible starter after recovering from a hamstring injury. Geoff Horsfield, Robert Earnshaw and Diomansy Kamara are all possible starters too.

http://westbromwichalbion.rivals.net...2&stid=8394906

still look ok. I suppose its down to Fulham team news. anyone?

[kompressaur]

and Gillingham do have a few out :think

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Best i could find below Komp on Fulham injuries. Seems both sides will be putting out strong sides.

I'd be interested in Fulham actually as they have impressed me both in the Liverpool and Charlton games. The return of Knight is a big plus for them also.

Fulham at evens - hmmmm. Might have to add some of that to a double i reckon

Fulham chief Chris Coleman also has injury problems to contend with as he looks to take his side into the fourth round.

Coleman will be without the two Jensens, as Claus is carrying a knee injury and Niclas is being given a rest.

Zat Knight is back in the squad for the game after his flouting of the club rules cost him his place against Manchester United earlier this month.

The hosts will also be without Mark Crossley, Brian McBride and Tomasz Radzinski for Tuesday's tussle in the capital.

[Bigkegman]

As mentioned above by somebody I also thin the UEFA Cup and Premiership will be top of the pops for Bolton and Sam has came out (in previous) years to say this cup is not top of his list.

Although staying in the prem will be West Hams first objective - decent odds on away win and I'm tempted.

Anybody want to try and talk me out of it ?

[rcgills]

Sorry for those that were asking about the Doncaster v Gills game, have been pretty busy with work at the start of this week, have only just seen this thread. Hope someone made some money from it anyway. Me, I let my head rule my heart (hmm, is that right? It sounds like the right way round in the expression, but surely it should be the other way around ) and backed the Gills (+0.75). Was looking good until the last 10 minutes .

[dodgy]

Any Everton supporters? Pls update some team news, they look like a good bet! btw, anybody make some $ on Rapid Vienna & Doncaster?

[kompressaur]

I made absolutely nothing on them Dodgy as you didnt really convince me to back them. I dont like talk of insider tips etc. I just ignored you soz. If you can tell us more info then maybe i'll start taking your posts in.

Birmingham v Norwich
Birmingham's Stan Lazaridis has suffered another injury setback and has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Emile Heskey could play as a lone striker with Jiri Jarosik behind him, while midfielder Neil Kilkenny is in contention to start.

Defender Calum Davenport is expected to go straight back into the Norwich starting line-up after a ban.

Adam Drury (calf) is again ruled out and midfielder Youssef Safri is also absent but could return on Saturday.

# Birmingham boss Steve Bruce:
"It is vital for our season that we progress through the Carling Cup.

"The players have got to start performing. We have got to show a bit of fight and a bit of character."

# Norwich defender Calum Davenport:
"Birmingham are in a similar position form-wise so they won't make it easy for us.

"We need some confidence and the lads have got an opportunity to go out and play well and get a result to kick us on for Saturday."


Bolton v West Ham
Bolton fringe players Jared Borgetti, Radhi Jaidi and Fabrice Fernandes are all expected to start.

Gary Speed (back) and Jay-Jay Okocha (groin) are both still ruled out while Ricardo Gardner is suspended.

West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand (foot) is doubtful, so James Collins or Elliott Ward could come in.

Paul Konchesky and Matthew Etherington reported knocks after the victory over Middlesbrough, so Pardew could give some of his fringe players a start.

# Bolton boss Sam Allardyce:
"To experience the joy of getting to the Millennium Stadium is something you want in football.

"History tells you if you have won a cup competition and it qualifies you for Europe as well.

"But I'll change my players around. It is about avoiding mental fatigue and injuries over this marathon season."

# West Ham manager Alan Pardew:
"I want this club to win trophies. We are going to go there to try to win the game.

"Taking on Bolton at home is a tricky match, but we will go into in it in good spirits.

"We want to win every game we take part in because that builds confidence in the team and around the workplace.


Chelsea v Charlton
Wayne Bridge returns to the Chelsea squad for the first time since breaking an ankle in February.

However, the holders are still without winger Damien Duff (knee) and defender Ricardo Carvalho (concussion).

Charlton will be missing midfielder Alexei Smertin under the terms of his loan deal from Chelsea.

Otherwise manager Alan Curbishley intends to field a strong side, but Shaun Bartlett, Gonzalo Sorondo and Jason Euell remain sidelined.

# Chelsea assistant boss Steve Clarke:
"If a trophy is there to be won, then we are trying to win it.

"We will take the Carling Cup as seriously as we did last season when we went all the way and won it.

"Teams realise it's difficult to win any trophy so to target a particular one is not the way. You have to target all four and see how many you get."

# Charlton boss Alan Curbishley:
"We want to do well in the cups. Every year we've had fantastic draws, and not taken advantage. This is a tough draw, so let's see what happens.

"It is a cup game, a one off and we go there in good spirits.

"I'm not going to get people behind the ball. Our away record is fantastic, we have scored goals, so why not go to Chelsea and try to do that?"


Everton v Middlesbrough
Everton will be without defender Nuno Valente after he suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's draw with Chelsea.

Tim Cahill (ankle) and Duncan Ferguson (back) are doubts, but winger Andy van der Meyde could get his first run-out for Everton after a groin injury.

Middlesbrough defender Stuart Parnaby has recovered from a groin injury and Ugo Ehiogu also returns after proving his fitness in a reserve team game.

He will replace Gareth Southgate who is out for six weeks with a groin strain.

# Everton boss David Moyes:
"The draw against Chelsea has given everyone a big lift.

"It was only a point but against a team like Chelsea who are the best in Europe at the moment, it gave us the feeling of 'that's more like it'.

"We can't say after one result that everything is hunky-dory, but we needed a start, something to build on, and hopefully that is what we can now do."

# Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren:
"We've lost only two games in the last eight, but we've not yet achieved the consistency we want.

"We have struggled to find the right shape for the team since Stewart Downing was hurt.

"Everything has not yet fallen into shape, and the game at Everton gives us another chance to get it right."


Man Utd v Barnet
Louis Saha's Manchester United return has been delayed again after he suffered a hamstring problem.

The French striker has not played all season because of a knee injury, but Wes Brown will play for the first time in three months after a thigh injury.

Giuliano Grazioli and Simon King should make their 100th Barnet appearances.

Boss Paul Fairclough has no new injury worries, but midfielder Ben Bowditch and defender Simon Clist are still absent with groin problems.

# Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz:
"Every competition is important to us but we won't compromise our strategic approach to this one just because we didn't do well last season.

"We want to win it but we also have to develop young players.

"We trust the youngsters who will play on Wednesday. We know they have great qualities, that is why they are here."

# Barnet boss Paul Fairclough:
"One of the quirky things we have done is train at our stadium with the crowd noise from the United-Tottenham game piped through the tannoy

"It made it very difficult for the players to communicate.

"But they got used to it. Those sort of things get into the sub-conscious and they will be drawn out when required.


Everton v Middlesbrough
Everton will be without defender Nuno Valente after he suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's draw with Chelsea.

Tim Cahill (ankle) and Duncan Ferguson (back) are doubts, but winger Andy van der Meyde could get his first run-out for Everton after a groin injury.

Middlesbrough defender Stuart Parnaby has recovered from a groin injury and Ugo Ehiogu also returns after proving his fitness in a reserve team game.

He will replace Gareth Southgate who is out for six weeks with a groin strain.

# Everton boss David Moyes:
"The draw against Chelsea has given everyone a big lift.

"It was only a point but against a team like Chelsea who are the best in Europe at the moment, it gave us the feeling of 'that's more like it'.

"We can't say after one result that everything is hunky-dory, but we needed a start, something to build on, and hopefully that is what we can now do."

# Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren:
"We've lost only two games in the last eight, but we've not yet achieved the consistency we want.

"We have struggled to find the right shape for the team since Stewart Downing was hurt.

"Everything has not yet fallen into shape, and the game at Everton gives us another chance to get it right."


Grimsby v Newcastle
Grimsby Town could be without Jean-Paul Kamudimba Kalala, who is struggling with a back problem.

Tom Newey is also doubtful with a dead leg, while Gary Croft is battling a knee injury and midfielder Andy Parkinson has shin splints.

Kieron Dyer is a surprise inclusion in the Newcastle squad after eight weeks out with a hamstring injury.

But Stephen Carr has joined Michael Owen, Craig Moore, Lee Bowyer and Steve Harper on the injured list.

# Newcastle boss Graeme Souness:
"This competition is important to us and if we can get through Wednesday's tie and then get a home tie we will be in business.

"However, Grimsby are doing well and they will cause us problems.

"We'll show Grimsby the utmost respect. They knocked out Spurs and they will fancy doing the same to us and we will have to be for the challenge."

# Grimsby manager Russell Slade:
"We know it's going to take a massive effort against Newcastle.

"Graeme Souness will have his side up for it. He's been a winner throughout his career and he simply hates losing."


Cardiff v Leicester
Cardiff striker Alan Lee will make a rare start when he stands in for the cup-tied Michael Ricketts.

Andrea Ferretti is on stand-by to replace Cameron Jerome (back) and veteran Neil Cox looks likely to step in for defender Glen Loovens (back).

Leicester striker Iain Hume is cup-tied for the trip to Cardiff after previously playing for Tranmere.

Foxes boss Craig Levein is also waiting on the fitness of Mark de Vries (hamstring) and Dion Dublin (fatigue).

# Cardiff boss Dave Jones
"I am going to try and field my strongest 11. The further you go in the cup the more you want to stay in it.

"We are preparing for a cup game but we have to see it like playing another Championship team.

"The Leicester game will be tough and the players need to be ready."

# Leicester boss Craig Levein:
"I haven't got the team in my mind as yet because of one or two problems.

"We haven't gone through who will play yet. Mark de Vries and Dion Dublin are two big players so we will wait until Wednesday."

[MIKEROBB]

Nothing around at the moment to suggest Chelsea will change the first 11 too much.
Still got a sneaky feeling that Charlton will be well up for this and may well take the X2 on this.
Chelsea may struggle if Murphy and co can shackle Lampard in that midfield and I think the price on Charlton is over generous and worth a punt on.
May also take a look at Murphy for 1st goal and see what prices are about.