(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 26, 2012 ) London, UK -- Premier League side Liverpool are hot favourites to beat Championship team Cardiff City in the Carling Cup final next month according to free bets website writer David Walker.
Liverpool held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw at Anfield on Wednesday night to win their semi-final tie 3-2 on aggregate. Kenny Dalglish's side needed to come from behind twice to earn their place in the final.
Nigel De Jong and Edin Dzeko put City in front in each half but a Steven Gerrard penalty and a goal from Craig Bellamy ensured the Reds secured an overall victory.
Liverpool face Cardiff City, who overturned a 1-0 deficit in the first leg of their semi-final and beat Crystal Palace by the same scoreline at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Anthony Gardner, who scored for Palace in the first leg, put through his own net after seven minutes to tie the score 1-1 on aggregate.
Despite hitting the woodwork three times and Palace reduced to 10 men with 12 minutes to go after captain Paddy McCarthy was sent off, City could not find a winning goal and after extra time, the match went to penalties.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton was the hero for City, saving from Jermaine Easter and Sean Scannell. Kenny Miller missed Cardiff's first spot kick but the Bluebirds won 3-1 on penalties.
“Liverpool are huge odds-on favourites to win the Carling Cup this season”, said Walker, “and why wouldn't they be? It's a case of Premier League vs the Championship”.
“Liverpool will see this as an ideal opportunity to get some silverware in their trophy cabinet for the first time since 2006, when they won the FA Cup and Community Shield.
“But, Cardiff won't be phased by the trip to Wembley either. The final will be their fourth visit in as many years – having played an FA Cup semi final and final in 2008 and the Championship play-off final in 2010” added Walker.
The Carling Cup final takes place on Sunday 26 February at Wembley Stadium.
More news on Carling Cup Final betting preview can be found at FreeBetSite.com, where Walker gives his thoughts on both Liverpool and Cardiff City and the best odds available before the match takes place in February.
About Free Bet Site:
FreeBetSite.com (http://www.freebetsite.com) is a leading UK based website which aggregates and promotes free bet and bonus offers from bookmakers, online casinos, poker and bingo rooms. The website also offers detailed betting previews on the latest sporting and reality television events.
