Carling Cup Fixtures 21st September 2010 Part 2

Portsmouth v Leicester City
Both clubs are struggling near the bottom of the Championship and maybe the last thing they need is the distraction of a Cup run. Or maybe a distraction is just what they need.
Andy King has scored three goals in the last three games so he’ll start unless Leicester decide to rest their best players.

Stoke City v Fulham
Stoke are known for their strong home form. Fulham are known for their problems away. But Fulham showed in the Europa League last season that league form and cup form can be very different things.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins should play in defence for Stoke.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes doesn’t want to make any changes but he might choose to rest Simon Davies, who has long-term foot problems (unless that was just his polite way of telling John Toshack he doesn’t want to play for him anymore).

Sunderland v West Ham United
West Ham have more important things than cups to worry about this season but perhaps a win at Sunderland could give them some much-needed confidence. Although it would be quite embarrassing if West Ham give Sunderland a thrashing, just a few days after they drew with Arsenal.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to keep his place in defence for West Ham. Jack Collison is out with a knee injury.

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
Arsenal are certain to field a weakened line-up in this match and while Tottenham might well do the same, their second strings should be a bit older and more experienced than Arsenal’s.
Gareth Bale is Tottenham’s best player so it’s very good to hear he’ll be rested. Especially considering what he did to Arsenal last time.
Aaron Ramsey is still out with a broken leg.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Notts County
Wolves are expected to play a weakened side against Notts County, despite Notts County’s recent reputation for giant-killing.
But this is good news. Wayne Hennessey should start in goal while Dave Edwards has a chance of starting. The only downside is that David Jones might be dropped to the bench but that’s only because he’s a regular in the first team and that’s a good thing really.
Ben Davies should play in midfield for Notts County.