Liverpool vs Northampton – Hodgson not adverse to cup upset

Bill Shankly was the manager the last time Northampton visited Anfield and how Liverpool fans would love a return to the Shankly era.

Current boss Roy Hodgson has previous when it comes to cup upsets, his Fulham side went out of the FA Cup to Bristol Rovers in 2008 – Northampton are 7/1 to qualify.

Hodgson is likely to rest all eleven that started in the defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday, Lucas is likely to be given the captains armband with Ryan Babel up front and the Dutchman is 5/1 to score the first goal.

With the Premier League seemingly out of reach, the Carling Cup betting market represents Liverpool’s best chance of silverware, they are 1/16 to qualify and 8/1 to win the Carling Cup.

Only one lower-league side has won at Anfield in 51 attempts which would explain why Northampton are as long as 14/1 to win.

The two sides have played each other three times with Northampton yet to register a victory and in the games at Anfield, Liverpool have scored eight and conceded just once.

Wigan vs Preston North End

Preston North End are languishing at the bottom of the Championship and in terrible form, but have only lost to Wigan once in their last ten visits to their Lancastrian neighbours, they are 4/1 to win on Wednesday night.

Wigan exited both domestic cup competitions last season to lower league opposition and have never beaten Preston in six Carling Cup meetings, yet are still 2/7 to qualify and 4/6 to win in 90 minutes.

Each of Wigan’s last five Carling Cup games has seen a team win by a three goal margin.

With Preston conceding an average of 3.4 goals in their last ten ties against top-flight opponents, the Lactics crowd can look forward to seeing goals.

A 4-1 win for Wigan is available at 25/1. See the full Carling Cup betting market here.