Carling Cup Final betting

Despite taking a battering from Manchester United’s attack, Spurs somehow managed to hold on for a goalless draw in Sunday’s Carling Cup final.

Just like the Champions League final last year though, it was United who won the penalty shootout. Goalkeeping heroics from Ben Foster saw Fergie’s men claim their second trophy of the season in a largely forgettable cup final.

The first piece of silverware this season will be dished out at Wembley on Sunday as Manchester United seek the first leg of what would be an unprecedented four trophy haul. There’s a long way to go until that can even be considered but the Red Devils should get the better of a struggling Spurs side, even if Sir Alex chooses to rest a few of his star names, and can do so with something to spare.

The likes of Foster, Rafael, Gibson, Nani and Tevez have all featured heavily for the Premier League leaders in this competition this season and I see no reason why the Scot won’t put his faith in them once more. Those five may well be a class or two below their more illustrious team-mates but all would probably demand a place in the Tottenham starting eleven and I expect them to get the job done.

Harry Redknapp enjoyed a highly productive honeymoon period following his appointment as Spurs manager but they have failed to find any rhythm, or confidence, in recent weeks as one disappointing result has been followed followed by another. Even their 2-1 win over Hull on Sunday masked what was a very ordinary performance. Spurs upped their game to beat Chelsea here 12 months ago and they’ll need to do so again if they are to have any chance of causing an upset.

Confidence in United would be lessened were it not for the absence of Spurs’ two chief goal threats, Jermain Defoe is injured while Robbie Keane is cup-tied, and it remains to be seen just how much of an impact Roman Pavlyuchenko can have against Ferdinand and Vidic.

Johnny Evans would surely have played some part were it not for his continuing ankle problem but the record breaking defensive duo have been virtually impregnable since the turn of the year and the Russian may well find himself frustrated at a likely lack of chances.

With United possessing such a staggering strength in depth, particularly in midfield, I expect them to shorten before Sunday as their likely line-up becomes clearer. Sir Alex simply doesn’t lose finals and with the first choice back four almost certain to take to the pitch, one goal could well be enough to settle it.

Cristiano Ronaldo could well partner Tevez through the middle and that pairing can cause Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King no end of problems. Having been rested for the Uefa Cup game on Thursday the Spurs players should be slightly fresher but that is just about the only advantage they hold over their rivals and it is unlikely to be enough to see them home.