CARLING CUP TUESDAY BETTING TIPS

We've got a handful of fixtures today in the Carling Cup, but it appears as though the truly interesting clashes kick off tomorrow when Arsenal take on Liverpool and Chelsea face off against Bolton. I suppose the cream of the crop would be the Tottenham vs Everton match-up today with Sunderland taking on Aston Villa and Manchester United facing Championship strugglers (but perennial cupset contenders) Barnsley.

I'm expecting a second-string side from United with a few first-choice players thrown in against the Tykes. Blue Square have listed United at 4/9 for the outright win and that's about right. I like a 2-0 or a 2-1 margin and you're looking at 11/2 and 15/2. Barnsley are 6/1 for the win and the draw pays 16/5.

Pompey take on Stoke City in what should be an exciting clash with Portmouth actually favoured for the win. They're listed at evens to triumph over the Potters, who carry a 5/2 price. The draw is 23/10 and that looks like the result to me.

High-flying Sunderland are the 7/5 favourites against Martin O'Neill's 17/10 Aston Villa side. That's an interesting set of odds to me and it really shows how much confidence the bookmakers have in Sunderland at the moment. I am tempted to back Villa based on value.

Blackburn Rovers take on Peterborough United with a 7/10 price indicating their status as clear favourites. Peterborough are available at 7/2, but I don't really see them in with a shout here. Hopefully the Blackburn players manage to not infect the other team with Swine Flu.

And finally, Tottenham are facing off against strugglers Everton. Nobody expected the Toffees to have such a non-noteworthy beginning to the season, but David Moyes' men have been struggling for results. Spurs are at 8/13 while Everton are an enticing 4/1. The draw is also available at 11/4, and I think you should back Spurs on your accumulators, but having a bash on Everton at that price would be forgiven.