Carling Cup 2011/2012 Semi Final Predictions

The lesser of the two cup competitions has thrown us a two fantastic fixtures which all four teams will want to win. Although the Carling Cup isn't as illustrious as the F.A Cup it is a gateway into the Europa league for the Winner, and if the winner is already in Europe because of their place in the Premier League table. This happened last year when the final was between Manchester City and Stoke City, because City finished third they already had guaranteed a Chapions League spot so the runners up (Stoke) got the Europe cup spot.

This could be massive for either Cardiff or Crystal Palace and if Man City and victorious in their semi final fixture one of the championship sides would surely be guaranteed a Europa League spot.

As we know the Carling Cup semi final is split into two legs so it is important for a team to get off to a good start in the first leg and hold a lead going into the second.

These two teams both from the Second tier of English football have earned their right to be in the prosperous position with fantastic results from both teams shocking the football world. The most notable victory in the cup so far for Crystal Palace has to be their 2-1 victory over Premier League Champions Manchester United.

Cardiff City have had a nail biting tournament so far going to Extra times in the first two rounds then had to settle the third round on penalties but there most memorable game came in the Quarter Finals against Blackburn. Even though they were underdogs, Malky Mackay managed out play a lacklustre Blackburn side. Both teams are in the top half of the Championship this season with good form for both teams leading to them both being promotion contenders.

Run To The Semi Final

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace 2-0 Crawley Town

Crystal Palace 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Crystal Palace 2-1 Middlesbrough

Crystal Palace 2-0 Southampton

Manchester United 1-2 Crystal Palace (aet)

Cardiff City

Oxford 1-3 Cardiff City (aet)

Cardiff City 5-3 Huddersfield Town (aet)

Cardiff City 2-2 Leicester City (Cardiff won 7-6 on penalties)

Cardiff City 1-0 Burnley

Cardiff City 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

Semi Final Predictions

1st Leg

Crystal Palace 0-0 Cardiff City

2nd Leg

Cardiff City 1-0 Crystal Palace

Key Players

Crystal Palace - Wilfried Zaha

Cardiff City - Peter Whittingham

Two premier league giants face off in this fixture which proposes to be an explosive encounter as both teams will be gunning for a win. Man City find themselves at the summit of the Premier League after a ridiculous amount of money spent over the summer has brought in some of the worlds best talent. They recently got knocked out of the F.A. Cup by their Manchester Rivals Man Utd in a thriller and will want to make up for it with a win over Liverpool in the Carling Cup this Coming Wednesday.

Liverpool have had a disappointing season so far and have endured a torrid time in the premier league of late not featuring in the Champions League once more this year, they will see the Carling Cup as their chance of silverware this season. Liverpool have looked goal shy this season and are struggling to find the net this year.

Man City's most important win of the tournament came in the last round when they faced off against a young but confident Arsenal side. They were pushed further and further back but kept there nerve and when given the chance took the lead late in the second half holding on to a 1-0 victory. The quarter final proved to be the turning points in all four of the teams in the semi final and it definitely was for Liverpool as they faced high flyer's Chelsea. Liverpool came up victorious with a dominant performance which saw them ease past The Blues two goals to nil.

Run To The Semi Final

Man City

Manchester City 2-0 Birmingham City

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-5 Manchester City

Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal

Liverpool

Exeter City 1-3 Liverpool

Brighton and Hove Albion 1-2 Liverpool

Stoke 1-2 Liverpool

Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool

Semi Final Predictions

1st Leg

Manchester City 2-0 Liverpool

2nd Leg

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City

Key Players

Manchester City - Kun Aguero

Liverpool - Steven Gerrard