Carling Cup Fixtures 24th August 2010 Part 1

Blackburn Rovers v Norwich City
Norwich are on a winning run at the moment but Blackburn’s own run came to an end last weekend.
It is thought that Blackburn will rest first-choice keeper Paul Robinson but Jason Brown is not one of the suggested alternatives. Maybe he’s injured.
Norwich are probably less likely than Blackburn to bring in their fringe players but Owain Tudur Jones is really good and deserves a chance. It would be really nice to see Josh Dawkin too, hint hint.

Bradford City v Preston North End
Preston have finally got their first points in the Premier League but a match against League Two Bradford City should be easy, shouldn’t it? Or maybe not. Just ask Bristol City.
Michael Flynn is going to have a groin operation tomorrow so he won’t be playing for Bradford for a while.
Craig Morgan should be in defence for Preston and Paul Parry might also be in contention after playing with the reserves on Friday instead of Preston’s league match on Saturday.

Brentford v Hull City
Brentford aren’t having a great league season so far but beating Hull should help cheer them up. The last team to giant-kill Hull were Blackpool. They won’t be doing that this season.
Brentford’s new signing Nicky Adams will be hoping for more than a cameo role this time.

Crewe Alexandra v Ipswich Town
Crewe will be on a high after winning their last match 7-0… and they didn’t exactly struggle against Derby County in the first round of the Carling Cup.
Crewe goalkeeper Rhys Taylor is on loan from Chelsea but they probably aren’t that worried about him getting cup-tied so he might be able to play.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich at the end after recovering from an ankle injury but maybe he’ll get to play this time.

Leyton Orient v West Bromwich Albion
The last time West Brom were in the Premier League, they were knocked out of the Carling Cup by League One Hartlepool United. Orient are also in League One.
Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill is expected to make his West Brom debut in this match.

Millwall v Middlesbrough
Both these clubs reached landmark Cup finals in 2004. Millwall got to the FA Cup final where they not unreasonably lost to Manchester United. Middlesbrough won their first major piece of silverware, the Carling Cup. Will 2010 be the new 2004?
Steve Morison ia expected to keep his place up front for Millwall.
Danny Coyne might possibly get the chance to start for Middlesbrough but don’t be surprised if he’s on the bench. Rhys Williams is definitely out with his dodgy pelvis.