Only one match in the Carling Cup tonight as a result of the postponment of the game in Bristol, and the match between Oxford United and Cardiff City at the Kassam Stadium is a tough one to call.
Both teams started the season with games that finished 1-0, but while Cardiff were causing a minor upset thanks to a late Kenny Miller goal against West Ham, Oxford suffered an opening day defeat against Rotherham up in Yorkshire. Back at home for the first competitive game of the season, Oxford should lineup with much the same side, possibly with the addition of Lewis Guy, signed on loan from Milton Keynes.
Cardiff meanwhile are set to be much changed as a result of the internationals taking place this week. Sunday's hero Kenny Miller is away with Scotland, while the influential Rob Earnshaw and Kevin McNaughton will also be missing. However, Stephen McPhail may return from injury and Gestede, who came of the bench on Sunday, may be in for start.
Several Championship sides felt the pain of losing players to international duty last night, none more so than Hull who were tipped here and lost 2-0 at home to Macclesfield. With that in mind, even at a best price 5/4, backing Cardiff does not appeal against an Oxford United side that have the talent to make real progress in League 2. In James Contestable and Lewis Guy the U's have the prowess to cause the visitors plenty of problems, but the 5/2 about the hosts also seems about right and does not scream value.
In the end, even with Miller and Earnshaw missing for Cardiff, the best bet on offer looks to be 'Both to score' at a seemingly generous 5/6 at Stan James. Oxford have the capability to score as mentioned above, while Cardiff themselves will expect to get on the scoresheet against the lower opposition. In a game where all three results look correctly priced up, it seems best to sit back and cheer for goals on this occassion.
Suggestion:
1pt 'Both teams to score' @ 5/6 @ Stan James
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