Midweek Carling Cup

Two medium shots tonight.

1. Wigan to Qualify v Arsenal @ 4.1

Wigan are taking this competition seriously and will name a full strength team - Arsenal quite the opposite. Although Arsene's young guns are undoubtedly class, against a physical, bruising yet talented Wigan side (think Valencia, Palacios, Zaki) they will struggle. 4.1 (Betfair) about Wigan progressing seems very big to me.

2. Rotherham to Qualify v Stoke @ 4.3

Different reasoning for this; Rotherham have a good record in cup competitions this season, and Stoke have already announced a weakened side:

Stoke will be without Mamady Sidibe for the tie with Rotherham following an ankle injury suffered by the striker at Wigan on Saturday.

Liam Lawrence is out after having an ankle operation, while Tom Soares and Michael Tonge are both cup tied. On-loan Andrew Davies, out all season with a succession of injuries, returns to training later this week.

Tony Pulis will rest several of his senior players ahead of Saturday's trip to Manchester United, and bring in the likes of goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, Leon Cort, Glenn Whelan, Dave Kitson, Richard Cresswell and Danny Pugh.

Bearing this in mind, the 4.3 available on Rotherham again looks generous - perhaps not so much as Wigan, but good enough value for a punt.

Advised Bets

Wigan to qualify v Arsenal: 1 point @ 4.1
Rotherham to qualify v Stoke: 0.5 points @ 4.3