The Carling Cup: Does It Mean Anything?

Arsenal v. Sheffield United, Manchester United v. Middlesbrough, Liverpool v. Crewe Alexandra—these are just some fixtures from the Carling Cup, which will take place in midweek.

The question stands, "Does this cup mean anything?"

The Carling Cup is also known as the League Cup which has recently been described as the "Mickey-Mouse Cup".

Premier League Champions, Manchester United, have been knocked out in the initial stages of the Carling Cup for two consecutive seasons by Southend United and Coventry City—the Red Devils then went on to claim the Premier League and the Champions League .

So does the Mickey-Mouse Cup hold any real value?

Tottenham Hotspur, the big-buying North-Londoners, who are currently win-less in the Premier League are the current holders of this "prestigious" trophy and since Juande Ramos and co. can't seem to do anything in the league, they might as well target the League Cup.

Tottenham defeated Chelsea last time out and the Blues did the same to Arsenal before that, but the Gunners played what was more of a "reserve team".

Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal NOT Chelsea have been known to provide lesser known players an opportunity in the Cup—whilst the Blues might give Di Santo a shot, Scolari remains keen on fielding a full strength team.

This is derogatory for the Cup, should it be dropped for the reserves taking on each other? Does it hold any significance with the FA Cup breathing down it's neck?

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start in United's clash against Boro—if he or any big player sustains an injury, it would be in an inferior competition which could be avoided.

Do you think it should be scrapped or replaced with a British Cup (featuring Scotland, Ireland and Wales?

Give us your thoughts...