The Carling Cup has been much maligned by football supporters in its history, but things have changed in recent seasons and the clash between Arsenal and Birmingham City (4pm) is an intriguing battle of differing styles.

Both teams will look to end trophy droughts, with more pressure on the Gunners to deliver the goods at Wembley having gone six years without a major honour.

Birmingham though will look to upset the odds and Alex McLeish has plenty of experience in winning cup finals during his time in charge of Rangers.

The Gunners are 8/15 to win the first piece of silverware on offer this season, while Blues are 6/1. All the omens point to Arsene Wenger’s men enjoying a comfortable day out, but nothing is ever straight forward with the Gunners.

A quick look at the form guide shows Arsenal have lost one of the last 17 in all competitions, including a comfortable win over Chelsea and their dramatic turnaround against Barcelona. The Gunners are trying to do the quadruple this season and have already beaten Birmingham twice in the league on their quest for the Premier League.

However, it isn’t all doom and gloom for Blues, who have shown some fighting spirit since a 5-0 drubbing at Manchester United. Alex McLeish’s men have lost just one of the last seven, a run of results which includes five wins.

They will have also been boosted by the news Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott are out as they go in search of their first bit of silverware since the 1963 League Cup. Birmingham are unlikely to roll over and let Arsenal cruise to victory so don’t expect a one-sided final.

Match Bet: Draw HT/ Arsenal FT @ 3/1

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