Wednesday Carling Cup

Two goals each from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Frazier Campbell saw the defending champions Spurs beat Liverpool 4-2 as they move into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup

The three final Carling Cup fourth round ties take place on Wednesday and there is only one fixture worth focusing on. Chelsea should roll over Burnley; the clash between Sunderland and Blackburn could go either way; but Tottenham versus Liverpool leaps off the page and, not surprisingly, the Sky cameras are at White Hart Lane.

Harry Redknapp’s start as Spurs manager following the departure of Juande Ramos couldn’t have gone any better and I bet he can hardly believe his luck. The 2-1 win at Manchester City on Sunday, when Darren Bent bagged a brace, extended Harry’s unbeaten run to an impressive five matches in all competitions and I think he’ll be desperate to see the momentum continue by getting the better of Liverpool. They’ve done it already in the Premier League, when Roman Pavlyuchenko netted an injury time winner, and are favourites in my eyes to do it again.

Spurs are defending Carling Cup champions we must remember, following their fine 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley, and Harry, of course, lifted the FA Cup with Portsmouth in May. Both players and manager alike will be eager for more success, I’m sure, and a home tie with Liverpool should get the juices flowing. Cup nights at White Hart Lane are usually ones to be remembered and a cracking match is anticipated.

While Harry has brought about a degree of organisation to Spurs he has done so more in midfield then in defence and there is still plenty for Spurs fans to be concerned about. That said, they are creating chances now and Darren Bent, fresh from his two goals at Eastlands, will probably be given yet another chance to impress. He’s a top forward on his day but is a confidence player and Redknapp should look to strike while the iron is hot.

For Liverpool, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane look highly unlikely to play any part but Fernando Torres could feature. The Spanish international played the final 18 minutes at Anfield on Saturday, when his side rolled over West Brom 3-0, and while he may be named on the bench again as he continues his comeback from injury I expect to see him at some point. David Ngog, Nabil El Zahr and Damien Plessis are just some of the more unfamiliar names that Rafael Benitez could call upon.

Spurs have been well backed all week to prevail in 90 minutes and while the 3.00 has long gone I still rate them a decent bet at 2.80. Liverpool have much bigger fish to fry in the coming weeks, including securing their place in the last 16 of the Champions League, and with a lunchtime trip to Bolton on Saturday looming large Rafa is likely to utilise his large squad. I’ve no doubt the goateed Spaniard won’t be that upset were his side to be beaten and Spurs certainly have much more to gain. Home advantage is likely to be crucial and a rejuvenated White Hart Lane crowd can roar on their side to victory.