Unlike the FA Cup, the League Cup (currently sponsored by Carling) hasn’t been monopolised anywhere near as much by the ‘Big Four’ in recent seasons. Since the turn of the millennium, Leicester (2000), Blackburn (2002) and Middlesbrough (2004) have all triumphed in this competition. However, it’s noticeable that Chelsea have taken this piece of silverware far more seriously since Jose Mourinho took over as manager, winning in 2005 and 2007.

Many Premiership clubs regard this competition as nothing more than an inconvenience, especially in the early stages when the prospect of a Wembley final seems so far away. Indeed, Man United’s success in 2006 was mainly due to their need to win at least one piece of silverware. Their defeat to Southend last season was more in-keeping with their attitude towards the Carling Cup.

Therefore, when it comes to match betting, it’s wise to avoid the big odds-on quotes about teams unless you’re sure about their likely starting line-ups. Nothing gives bookmakers greater delight than seeing a customer string together a long accumulator involving teams resting key players ahead of an important league match.