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Liverpool and Chelsea are two of the most successful clubs in Carling Cup history, but Michael Lintorn isn't convinced that either will be in the quarter-final draw this year.


Stoke v Liverpool (19:45)

Tony Pulis' side have tasted defeat just once in 21 games in 2011, and that was when they had little to play for at home to Wigan on the final day of last season.

Factor into the equation their cup prowess - Manchester City are the only team in 18 matches over the last 19 months to have seen them off in 90 minutes, and they have won six of their first seven in the Europa League - and Liverpool's 2.22 favourite status appears rather bewildering.

The Reds have been to the Britannia Stadium four times since Stoke's promotion without success, heading home empty-handed on the last two occasions.

Best Bet: Lay Liverpool @ 2.24


Blackburn v Newcastle (20:00)

Alan Pardew set his overachieving team the target of trying to lift the Carling Cup after they saw off Nottingham Forest in the last round, and a trip to struggling Blackburn gives them every chance of keeping that dream alive.

The Magpies conquered Rovers at St James' Park last month to end a seven-match winless run against them, and Steve Kean's men have been particularly poor at Ewood Park, losing four of their five against Premier League opposition.

Newcastle are slight favourites at 2.64 but required extra time against Scunthorpe and Forest, so consider the safer option of backing them to qualify.

Best Bet: Back Newcastle to qualify @ 1.87


Everton v Chelsea (20:00)

Everton are having an unusually logical season so far, losing to the big guns that they usually upset and - a blip against QPR aside - winning when expected against the likes of Blackburn and Wigan.

That could change when they welcome Chelsea in the Carling Cup though, as they are unbeaten in four against the Blues at Goodison Park, while their visitors required penalties to see off Fulham in the last round, admittedly after playing with ten men.

The capital club have made shock early exits in each of the last three years to Burnley, Blackburn and Newcastle, and have previous when it comes to cup losses to Everton, being knocked out of the FA Cup by them last term.

Best Bet: Back Everton @ 3.2


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