Spurs on a high for Arsenal’s cup visit

LONDON: Just over a week ago, Arsenal’s season was gaining momentum while their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur were still looking for their first win but they meet in the League Cup tomorrow with that scenario completely turned on its head.

Tottenham will host the first North London derby of the campaign after three wins in eight days, while Arsenal head to White Hart Lane beaten in their last two games while having three players sent off.

While the League Cup is regarded as the season’s lesser prize, both Spurs and the Gunners would find defeat an unpalatable prospect. As would Aston Villa and Birmingham City who meet in another derby – their first for five years – today.

Villa, booed off when they lost 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, are 17th in the Premier League. Birmingham, though, have made a solid start in the Championship with one defeat in seven and are just outside the playoff positions.

The third derby of the round will be at Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace play Charlton Athletic. Palace, despite losing their last two league games, start as favourites to see off Charlton who are 15th in the Championship.

Chelsea begin the defence of their trophy at League One Walsall. The Saddlers have made a good start to the season but a victory over Chelsea, no matter what team Jose Mourinho fields, would surpass even their famous 1933 upset – beating Arsenal in the FA Cup.

Liverpool, who have won the League Cup a record eight times, play Carlisle United from League Two at Anfield while Manchester United host Championship promotion contenders Ipswich Town. – Reuters