Norwich to put one over old boss

Christian Crowther previews this week's two non-televised Capital One Cup quarter-finals and picks out some bets...

Norwich v Aston Villa, Tuesday 19:45, Match Odds: Norwich 2.1, Aston Villa 3.85, The Draw 3.6

 

Saturday's maiden Premier League away win over in-form Swansea on Saturday was the Canaries' tenth game unbeaten and, more importantly, their sixth victory in that  period.

 

The catalyst for this terrific run came in a rousing win over Arsenal back in October - their first league victory of the season - after many had prematurely cast Chris  Hughton's side as relegation fodder.

 

Rather than look down the table though, the Canaries now find themselves peering hazily towards the European places as they welcome Aston Villa for this Capital One Cup  quarter-final.

 

Naturally, the return of Paul Lambert will dominate the build-up; however the Scotsman will be more concerned about Norwich's form than any potential flak he may receive  from the crowd.

 

Of course these sides drew 1-1 in the league at Villa Park recently, though Norwich have posted wins in the their last five home matches, a run in which they knocked  Tottenham out of this competition and beat Manchester United in the league.

 

In this form, Norwich should have too much for Villa but don't expect too many goals. The Canaries haven't breached the two-goal mark at home this season and Villa have  only notched twice in five games against Premier League teams.

 

Best Bet: Back Norwich to beat Aston Villa @ 2.1

Other Recommended Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.99

 

 

Swansea v Middlesbrough, Wednesday 19:45, Match Odds: Swansea 1.67, Middlesbrough 5.7, The Draw 4.2

 

Swansea were in stunning form until Norwich turned up to spoil their fun with a first-half blitzing at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

 

Still, the Swans enter their first ever last-eight appearance in the League Cup as big favourites to overcome Championship side Middlesbrough, especially after dispatching  holders Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield in the last round.

 

In Michu, Michael Laudrup's side have the Premier League's leading marksman and, if he's unleashed on Boro - as he has been in the last two rounds - the Spanish star will  be devilishly tricky for the visitors to contain in current form.

 

Nevertheless, Tony Mowbray's promotion contenders will certainly be no pushovers, as Sunderland fans will testify following defeat to the Smoggies at the Stadium of Light  in the fourth round.

 

Boro have a good record in this competition too. As Opta tell us, they have made the semi-finals on no fewer than five occasions, appearing in three finals and winning it  once.

 

Whoever comes out on top, this game should promise goals, as both sides' last three games have seen them each score at least two goals.

 

Best Bet: Back over 3.5 goals @ 3.15

Other Recommended Bet: Back Michu to score @ 2.2

 

Bet HERE !

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