Rested Swans should have way too much for brave Bradford at Wembley

Michael Laudrup’s decision to rest several key players in Swansea’s Premier League clash with Liverpool raised many eyebrows, but he should reap the rewards when they meet Bradford in the Capital One Cup final.

The Swans were demolished 5-0 at Anfield, as Laudrup opted to leave the likes of top scorer Michu, and integral first-team fixtures such as Wayne Routledge and captain Ashley Williams, out.

But with the bigger picture in mind, that decision could prove a masterstroke by the Dane, as he aims to keep his players fresh ahead of their bid for Wembley glory.

Swansea are 11/10 to overcome League Two Bradford giving up a one-goal handicap, and that bet looks unmissable.

Laudrup’s charges have most regularly triumphed by two-goal margins en route to this final, winning half of their six matches with a goal in hand on the road to Wembley.

And we expect that tradition to continue against a Bantams side that whilst heroic in their efforts to reach this stage, should be outclassed at the national stadium.

Phil Parkinson’s men currently occupy a mid-table spot in League Two, in contrast to their top-six chasing Premier League opposition.

The Yorkshire outfit have most regularly been breached twice in matches away from Valley Parade this season meanwhile, whilst two-goal hauls on the road have been easiest to come by for their Liberty Stadium counterparts.

Factor in Swansea’s dominance opposing sides below them on the football ladder, and the 11/10 about the Welsh side -1 has even more appeal.

Indeed, Laudrup’s men are unbeaten in 12 out of 15 games against lower half Premier League teams this term, whilst they knocked out three lower league outfits whilst marching to this final.

Backing Swansea to eradicate a goal disadvantage would have paid dividends in two of those three games against Football League opposition, and we fully expect them to beat the handicap here too.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.