The first real major trophy of the season will be won this Sunday. The League Cup final takes place at Wembley Stadium and features two teams you might not necessarily have thought stood a chance of getting this far: fast-rising Premier League side Swansea City and League Two underachievers Bradford City.
Swans are flying
This season has been a success so far for Swansea. Despite losing manager Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool in the summer, his replacement Michael Laudrup has continued the Welsh side’s progress. He has brought in numerous bargain buys including Michu from RayoVallecano in Spain, who has 18 goals so far this season.
Despite a recent 5-0 thrashing away at Liverpool last weekend, hopes are high that Laudrup can bring a major trophy to the Liberty Stadium. However, they face a side that have already seen off three fellow Premier League teams en route to the final.
Yorkshire grit
Before the draw for the first round took place, no one would have predicted that Bradford would make the final, let alone beat Wigan Athletic, Arsenal and Aston Villa, but they did just that. If they go on to claim yet another top-flight scalp, they will be the first side from the basement division of the Football League to win the trophy, but what are their chances?
Bradford are 13/2 to win the CapitalOne Cup with Ladbrokes.Those odds coupled with recent poor form suggest that they have yet another mountain to climb, but Phil Parkinson’s cheaply-assembled squad of journeymen, loan signings and promising youngsters could upset those odds.
Class to win in the end
Swansea will come into the tie as overwhelming favourites given the gap between themselves and the Bantams in the league ladder, resources and class. Something that may give Bradford hope is that the Swans will be missing some key men including defender Chico.
Whoever wins, both teams deserve their place in the final, and one of them will prove to be worthy winners of the tournament. To celebrate their contribution, the tournament sponsors are providing free travel for thousands of fans to and from Wembley!
