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The Carling Cup, or League Cup, has been called many things: a waste of fixture space, a poor man’s trophy and even a playground for the young ones to have a kick around on, but all of that is set to change this Tuesday and Wednesday evening when 4 of English footballs heavy weights battle each other for a place in the League Cup semi-finals. It may not be a European night at the Nou Camp but we here at GEM can’t wait for the action to start. Below we review the big matches of the draw, the key players and those who may feel a little uncomfortable. 

 

 

Chelsea V Liverpool

The ‘pool have been on quite a run lately taking points of many of the teams above them but now that the battle shifts to grounds of the Carling Cup the question is whether that  energy and determination will remain in their game. The Carling Cup represents the only realistic hope of silverware this season for the team from Merseyside but, after the rise of Manchester City and the determination of Manchester United, could it also be the only real chance for Chelsea?

Key men

Chelsea-  Villas Boas. The manager has to pull one of them rabbits out of a hat for this one as criticism over his selection increase. With Guus Hiddink at the door now is the time for the young manager to shine.

Liverpool- Fernando Torres. It might sound a joke but if the former Liverpool man can be kept quite then Chelsea are about as useful as burnt toast.

Uncomfortable evening

Fernando Torres- Although Raul  Meireles will find it hard playing against his old team for the first time, it’s really golden boy Torres who will face the brunt of the stick. The Spaniard has had a horrid time since his 50 million pound switch from Liverpool and can expect no sympathy from those who used to cheer him every week.

 

Arsenal V Man City

Arsenal hosts the Premiers League leaders at the emirates tomorrow in what looks to be the tie of the round. Arsenal will have the opportunity to knock some more wind out of the arrogant Man City sails after a demoralising defeat to Napoli and a forgettable draw to Liverpool in the last week. Arsenal, like no other in the league, will look to give their youngsters a chance but against a wounded City it may be a stern test for the London club.

Key men                                                                                                                   

Arsenal- Robin Van Persie. Granted he plays, which he most probably will, he is the most lethal player in the London clubs arsenal (excuse the pun) he has raised to the responsibility of being Arsenal’s main man wonderfully in recent weeks.

Man City- David Silva. The Spaniard is the glue in an often inconsistent midfield and the creative spark that is often taken for granted. His clash with the Arsenal midfield could be the difference in this tie.

Uncomfortable evening

Samir Nasri. The mercenary from France is almost guaranteed a hostile reception, should he play, with Arsenal fans not taking lightly to the way in which their club was disrespected while Nasri chased the City money bus.

In other matches:

Cardiff V Blackburn

With the recent passing of welsh great Gary Speed all eyes, and sympathy, will be with the home team from up north. The neutrals would favour a fairytale Cardiff win but this looks too close to call.

Man United V Crystal Palace

 On paper this looks the easiest tie of the round but with United becoming stuck far too often in recent weeks; Palace may fancy their chances for an upset.

What do you think? tell us below.