Carling Cup Quarterfinals: Game-by-Game Guide and Predictions

The Carling Cup is often dismissed as a "Mickey Mouse" competition in England, with the elite clubs prone to fielding weakened teams as they focus on more pressing Premier League and European matters.

But as we look ahead to the four quarterfinals this week, there's nothing remotely Disney about the presence of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the last eight.

And while a few key players may be rested, we can expect all four games to be fiercely competitive cup ties. Here's my game-by-game guide and a prediction for each of the quarterfinals.

Chelsea vs. Liverpool

Where: Stamford Bridge

When: Tuesday, 29th November, kickoff 7:45 p.m. (GMT)

- Follow the match live with B/R's Lindsay Eanet

Chelsea and Liverpool will meet for the second time in nine days tonight, with Liverpool's impressive 2-1 Premier League win at Stamford Bridge still fresh in the memory.

Under pressure, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas will be desperate to avoid another home loss, and with the Blues' Champions League hopes hanging in the balance, they will surely see the Carling Cup as a key trophy quest now.

Chelsea reached the last eight with wins against Fulham (on penalties) and Everton (in extra time). They'll be without suspended captain John Terry tonight, and the talk is that Fernando Torres will get the chance to lead the line against his former club.

Liverpool made it the quarterfinals with victories against Exeter, Brighton and Stoke. Manager Kenny Dalglish will welcome back Craig Bellamy tonight after the Welsh international was withdrawn from their weekend squad following the tragic death of Gary Speed.

Players to watch: Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)

Prediction: I can see this one going the distance; 1-1 after extra-time, with Chelsea to win on penalties.

Arsenal vs. Manchester City

Where: The Emirates

When: Tuesday, 29th November, kick off 8:00 p.m. (GMT)

- Follow the match live with B/R's Michael Cummings

There's another battle of Premier League heavyweights to look forward at The Emirates, where Arsenal will entertain high-flying Manchester City.

Both sides are expected to rest a number of key players, but when you consider Arsenal's exciting collection of youngsters and City's strength in depth, we should still be in for a game of high quality.

Arsenal arrive in the last eight courtesy of wins against Shrewsbury Town and Bolton, and Arsene Wenger is said to be considering Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Park Ju-Young and Emmanuel Frimpong for starts tonight.

City's path to the quarterfinals has been at the expense of Birmingham City and Wolves. Roberto Mancini will be without the suspended Mario Balotelli and Gareth Barry, and may even turn to Owen Hargreaves tonight, who's back from yet another injury.

Arsenal and City are in fine form, so confidence should be high in both camps. The game may ultimately come down to which manager is prepared to risk the most first-choice players.

Players to watch: Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Nasri (Manchester City)

Prediction: Arsenal's young gunners to catch City's second-string cold. Arsenal to win 2-0.

Cardiff vs. Blackburn Rovers

Where: Cardiff City Stadium

When: Tuesday, 29th November, kickoff 7:45 p.m. (GMT)

Championship Cardiff are one of only two non-Premier League teams left in the Carling Cup. They reached the last eight with victories against Oxford United, Huddersfield Town, Leicester City and Burnley.

Cardiff are unbeaten in eight games and currently sit third in the Championship, just outside of the automatic promotion places.

Blackburn meanwhile are rooted firmly to the bottom of the Premier League after a miserable start to the season under Steve Kean. They reached the quarterfinals with wins against Sheffield Wednesday, Leyton Orient and a memorable 4-3 extra-time victory against Newcastle, and they will be desperate to lift moral at the club by reaching the semis.

Players to watch: Peter Whittingham (Cardiff), Yakuba (Blackburn)

Prediction: Cardiff to edge it 2-1 and heap the misery on Rovers.

Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace

Where: Old Trafford

When: Wednesday, 30th November, kickoff 7:45 p.m. (GMT)

Manchester United's path to the quarterfinals has been a gentle one. Sir Alex Ferguson's team have only had to beat Leeds and Aldershot, and now have a tie against Championship Crystal Palace between themselves and the semis.

United are expected to roll out the next generation at Old Trafford. Paul Pogba (pictured), Ravel Morrison and Federico Macheda could all start.

Palace arrive in the last eight by virtue of wins against Crawley, Wigan, Middlesbrough and Southampton. Dougie Freedman's team haven't scored for five games, however, and as a result have slipped below the playoff places in the Championship.

Players to watch: Pogba (Manchester United), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Prediction: United will have too much for Palace and should ultimately win comfortably. I'm going for a 3-0 home win.