Accrington Stanley v Newcastle United
Football : English Carling Cup Round 2
Wednesday 25 August 2010 - Kickoff 7:45pm

The match is live on TV

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Accrington Stanley

This has to be one of the biggest games in Accrington Stanley's history as they take on one of the giants of English Football here at the Crown Ground and in front of the TV Cameras. Stanley have already surprised some this season, winning at Doncaster Rovers in the last round, and will be hoping it is 3rd time lucky as they look to reach the 3rd round of this competition for the first time since returning to League football.

Accrington currently sit in 6th place in League Two and are yet to conceded a goal as they have started the season with a 1-2-0 record. They have played 2 games here, drawing with Aldershot and then beating Macclesfield at the weekend. They were beaten at Queens Park Rangers in this round last season, and will be hoping their 11-1-11 record at home could perhaps count for something.

Craig Lindfield is a doubt for the home side with an injury. Rory Boulding should continue starting up front.

Newcastle United

It is hard to always gauge the intentions of Premier League clubs in the Carling Cup, with only those competing for a mid-table spot actively playing the first team members of their squad without too much rotation. After the 6-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend, it is hard to guess where Newcastle see themselves and how important a cup run is for them.

As mentioned, Newcastle won 6-0 at the weekend after losing 3-0 at Manchester United last Monday night. The Magpies got to the 3rd round of this competition last season before being beaten 2-0 at Peterborough and it has now been 20 years since they were knocked out at this stage of the competition.

Changes are expected to be made with the big game at Wolverhampton Wanderers over the horizon. Tim Krul should start in goal and other fringe players should come in although both Xisco and Danny Guthrie will not through injury.

Prediction

Accrington Stanley will have their fans behind them here, but is by far the toughest challenge they have faced so far this season. They will be looking to take the game to their opponents and hope to exploit any inexperience that may come up.

Newcastle United looked strong going forward at the weekend, although with a lot of help from the Aston Vill defence and tactics. There is still a mighty concern about the relative strength of their defence, and they seem to enjoy playing a high line with little pace in the back 4. The fringe players will also have the chance to impress Chris Hughton for future Premier League games.

The odds look decent on a Newcastle win here but there is a little concern in my mind about the team that will be put out and it could be a tougher night in the office than the Geordie Nation will want. I will, however, pick Shola Ameobi in the 'Anytime Scorer' market- he proved his pedigree at a lower level last season with 10 goals in 17 appearances (7 off the bench) and he should be getting the call to start if Andy Carroll is rested as predicted.

At 2.0, there seems to be value in picking him as he looks to be the biggest threat they may begin with.

The Pick :

Accrington Stanley 1-2 Newcastle United

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Shola Ameobi to score anytime @ 2.0 (Ladbrokes)