Wigan handed tough trip to Hartlepool in Carling Cup
Published:Hartlepool’s reward for knocking Sheffield United out of the opening round of the Carling Cup is the chance of another upset at home to Wigan.
Roberto Martinez’ men were the only Premier League side to fail to make it past the second round 12 months ago when they fell to a 4-1 defeat at Blackpool.
And they face another potentially hazardous away trip to Victoria Park, as the League One outfit are unbeaten in their last five competitive fixtures at their home ground.
The one thing in Wigan’s favour, as they look to defy odds of 50/1 to win the Carling Cup, is that Hartlepool did go out in the second round to Premier League opposition at home last year when they were beaten 2-1 by Burnley.
Another League One side smelling a potential giant-killing are the MK Dons, who have netted a home tie against Premier League new boys Blackpool.
The Dons have won both of their games this season 2-1, including the victory over Dagenham and Redbridge in the first round and will fancy their chances of entering the draw for round three.
Bolton, who were runners-up in the competition in 2004, have been drawn away at Southampton, West Brom could come unstuck at Leyton Orient and Newcastle face a visit to Accrington.
Last year’s semi-finalists Blackburn have been handed a home draw against Norwich, while Everton face the task of ending the cup run of League One promotion forerunners Huddersfield, who are 4/1 to win the league.
Port Vale face another trip to London following their success over Queens Park Rangers as they tackle Mark Hughes’ Fulham.
Elsewhere, Wolves, Sunderland, West Ham and Stoke will all be confident of progressing having been drawn at home to Southend, Colchester, Oxford and Shrewsbury respectively.
Could Bolton go one better than in 2004? See the whole Carling Cup betting market to know their price.
