English Carling Cup: Quarterfinal Match Previews and Predictions

The English Carling Cup quarterfinals are set to unfold starting on Tuesday, November 29, 2011.

The early game pits Cardiff City of the Championship against bottom-feeding Blackburn Rovers of the English Premier League.

Chelsea and Liverpool have a major rematch at Stamford Bridge after the Reds just upset the Blues at home last weekend to hand them a second straight home loss in the league. Chelsea finally got victory at home over Wolverhampton Wanderers this past Saturday, November 26.

Emirates Stadium plays host to Arsenal and the visiting Manchester City Sky Blues, who suffered a draw, which should have been a loss, to Liverpool just Sunday afternoon and will likely still be tired from that match.

Manchester United closes out the round against Crystal Palace in the only match on Wednesday in what is sure to be an exciting two days of cup action in England.

Read on for previews of these four matches.

Cardiff City vs. Blackburn Rovers

Cardiff City sit third in the English Championship and are riding high with hopes of reaching the top flight and possibly adding another Wales-based club to the English Premier League if Swansea City manage to stay up.

However, the league is not what is at stake on Tuesday, but the chance to keep fighting for the Carling Cup (English League Cup). A run of seven undefeated games will accompany Cardiff into the match against Blackburn, last round's spoilers of Newcastle United.

Blackburn Rovers can look at the cup as the only competition they have had any success in so far this season. A horrible league campaign has overshadowed what has been a great run in the first cup competition of the year.

It is a toss up for the victor, but I think Cardiff can pull off a win over their disillusioned EPL counterparts.

Date: Tuesday November 29, 2011

Key Players: Peter Whittingham (Cardiff) and Yakubu (Blackburn)

Match Prediction: Cardiff City 2-1 Blackburn Rovers

Chelsea vs. Liverpool

Liverpool got the best of Chelsea just over a week ago thanks to a late goal from old Blue Glen Johnson. Former Reds Fernando Torres and Raul Meireles hardly had a say in the proceedings, as they both started on the bench.

This quick return to Stamford Bridge will be a tough one for the Reds. Despite an excellent showing against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, the quick turnaround sees them have a day less of rest. Chelsea likewise will suffer from fixture congestion after having a UEFA Champions League match last week.

Torres is likely to start this match against his former club, and Liverpool are likely to make several changes to the side in hopes of progressing to the semifinals. Cups are a major focus for the Reds this season, and I would expect a lineup close to the one we saw against Chelsea last time.

Call me crazy, but I think the Reds can pull it off again if they can score in the first half.

Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Key Players: Fernando Torres (Chelsea) and Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)

Match Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool

Arsenal vs. Manchester City

Arsenal failed to win a sixth EPL match in a row on Saturday, November 26 against Fulham, but managed a draw thanks to Thomas Vermaelen scoring on both sides of the ball in the last half hour of play.

Manchester City likewise were shut down in their attempt to keep a win streak alive, as Liverpool pushed them to the death, and only a magical performance from keeper Joe Hart was the difference that kept them from losing by a comfortable margin.

It will be interesting to see the sides that are on the pitch come Tuesday, with both teams in the midst of a torrid run of EPL matches, European matches and also now the Carling Cup.

Robin Van Persie will key the success of Arsenal, but he has played a lot of minutes in the last matches and his body is known to be frail, so he could be a worry for the Gunners.

City will have a fresh striker in Eden Dzeko, but his midfield support is likely to be much different, as the City players were obviously tiring on Sunday afternoon and will have only had a day of rest.

Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Key Players: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) and Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Match Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Manchester City

Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace

Manchester United have been frustrated at every turn in the last few weeks, and this could be their chance to take out some of that built up anguish on a lower-level club.

The Red Devils were held to a draw against Newcastle United at home on Saturday, and that is likely one more log on the fire as they look to regain their form after a rough two months since their draw with Liverpool, loss to Manchester City and Wayne Rooney's loss of form following his UEFA match ban for next summer.

Crystal Palace are tied for seventh in the Championship, but are likely to be crushed and brushed aside when they travel to Old Trafford on Wednesday. There are some decent prospects of players in the Palace side, but their defense is likely to buckle under the pressure from United.

However, never forget Leeds United and their upset of the Red Devils in the FA Cup not too long ago.

Date: Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Key Players: Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) and Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace)

Match Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Crystal Palace

Conclusion

The quarterfinals are ready to go, and we have top-six matchups to follow, while Manchester United looks to avoid that fate until the semifinals.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City all will want to add another trophy and should make the two late games on Tuesday real crackers to watch.

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