The tie of the round comes at Elland Road where Championship side Leeds face their old rivals Manchester United in what promises to be a cracking game. They may not be in the same league but the rivalry is still as hot as ever and Leeds fans would love nothing more than to inflict United’s first defeat of the season. Sir Alex Ferguson will be weary of leaving out too many of his most prized possessions as he will vividly recall United’s shock FA Cup Third Round defeat to Leeds in 2010. Man Utd are the 1/2 favourites to win the match, while Leeds are priced at 5/1, with a draw available at 10/3.

Elsewhere Championship high-flyers Brighton host Liverpool at the Falmer Stadium. Brighton may have suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday but the thought of beating Liverpool will motivate the players to bounce back in style, whereas Kenny Dalglish will consider the League Cup a priority as he aims to win his first trophy with the club since his return earlier this year. Liverpool are the odds on 4/6 favourites to come away with the win, while Brighton are 4/1 for an upset, with a draw at 11/4.

Man Utd and Man City remain the 5/1 favourites to win the 2011/12 Carling Cup, with Chelsea priced at 11/2. Liverpool can be found with odds of 13/2, while Arsenal are available at 9/1 and Tottenham at 12/1. Last year’s winners Birmingham are huge outsiders at 150/1.

Carling Cup Outright Odds

• 5/1 – Man City
• 5/1 – Man Utd
• 11/2 – Chelsea
• 13/2 – Liverpool
• 9/1 – Arsenal
• 12/1 – Tottenham
• 18/1 – Aston Villa
• 20/1 – Everton
• 33/1 – Newcastle United
• 33/1 – Bolton Wanderers
• 33/1 – Stoke City
• 33/1 – Wolves
• 150/1 – Birmingham City

All odds supplied by Bet365

Despite what the odds suggest, the 2011/12 Championship season is anything but a two-horse race. There are a number of other club’s who have the talent, ambition and experience to make their mark. Top of these teams are Nottingham Forest and Reading who were both dumped out of last season’s play-offs by Swansea City. Forest have undergone a restructuring period during the summer and have appointed Steve McClaren as their new manager, who has in turn released a shed load of players as he aims to mould together a squad capable of getting promoted. Forest are currently priced at 16/1 to win the league, where as last season’s play-off final losers Reading are available at 18/1, as are Tony Mowbray’s Middlesbrough.

Elsewhere newly promoted Brighton and Southampton will be looking to follow in Norwich City’s footsteps with back-to-back promotions. Southampton manager Nigel Adkins appears to be placing his trust in the player’s who won him promotion last season as the Saints have only recruited a couple of players. However, the bookmakers believe the South coast club have a chance of winning the league with odds of 20/1, although promotion at 5/1 may be a more realistic bet. Gus Poyet’s Brighton, who were virtually unplayable for the best part of League One last season,  have been handed odds of 22/1 to win the Championship and 6/1 to get promoted.

Other teams you should keep a close eye on include Cardiff, Blackpool, Birmingham and Leeds who are all capable of beating anyone on their day. Consistency is undoubtedly the key in this division and all the major contenders will be hoping to get off to a winning start this weekend.

Championship Outright Odds

• 5/1 – Leicester
• 5/1 – West Ham
• 16/1 – Nottingham Forest
• 18/1 – Reading
• 18/1 – Middlesbrough
• 20/1 – Southampton
• 22/1 – Cardiff
• 22/1 – Blackpool
• 22/1 – Ipswich
• 22/1 – Birmingham
• 22/1 – Leeds
• 22/1 – Brighton
• 30/1 – Hull
• 33/1 – Burnley
• 45/1 – Portsmouth
• 55/1 – Derby
• 70/1 – Bristol City
• 70/1 – Millwall
• 110/1 – Watford
• 110/1 – Crystal Palace
• 150/1 – Peterborough
• 150/1 – Coventry
• 200/1 – Barnsley
• 250/1 – Doncaster

All odds supplied by William Hill

The daily horse racing cashback offer from Paddypower applies to the 3:50 at Brighton, a 16 runner, 7 furlong handicap. If your selection finishes second, beaten by a distance of a neck or less, then your stake will be refunded. With such a big field, their is a good chance that the winning distance in this race will be tight and this offer does provide good insurance on your bet. One of the most likely winners in the race could well be Young Bertie, who looks primed to run well at this level.

Paddy Power £30 Free Bet offer when you join today