Carling Cup Final Betting Analysis

The first domestic trophy will be decided this Sunday with Chelsea taking on Liverpool in the Carling Cup Final. The Blues are favourites, although their demise in the FA Cup, loss in Barcelona and some key injuries will have been unsettling. A further defeat on Sunday would leave many questioning whether they will finish the season with any trophies, let alone the four that was previously mentioned.For Liverpool the main aim is to qualify for the Champions League next season, but to beat the Premiership leaders in a domestic final would be a massive boost. This is especially so after twice succumbing to the Londoners in the league. In their last meeting, the Reds were left fuming after being denied a clear penalty and losing the impressive Alonso to a season ending injury. As well as winning their first trophy under Rafael Benetiz, the Merseysiders may also have a few scores to settle. Whether Liverpool can actually win the competition is a tough one to answer. Yes, Chelsea have slipped to a couple of losses, but the Reds have hardly been a model of consistency of late. Sloppy defeat have been followed with high quality performances.The match result market is probably best alone. What does appeal is Fernando Morientes to score at anytime. The Spaniard has scored against Charlton and Fulham in his recent outings, and has also had the benefit of a rest, as he is cup-tied in Europe.The former Madrid player has looked a class act since his arrival and will relish taking on a Chelsea defence made to look fairly ordinary in midweek.Of course Liverpool aren't of the same ilk as Barcelona, but it will be interesting to see how the defence recovers from their energy sapping game at the Nou Camp. Bluesq are offering the best price of 5/2 on the Spaniard hitting the back of the net.Turning our attention of the match official, and it is Steve Bennett who is once again being given the high profile game of the weekend. As mentioned above Liverpool lost Alonso in the league fixture at Anfield, a game that did have a few nasty challenges.For those interested in the bookings market on the spreads, Sporting go 40-44 (yellow=10pts, red=25pts). Buyers though should be aware that recent Carling Cup finals have been fairly well mannered games with little card action.