Carling Cup Final

The Carling Cup Final is the first domestic trophy of the English season and represents the opportunity for the winners to get their hands on some morale-boosting silverware. At the time of writing, this year's finalists are unknown but with some strong sides, including Chelsea and both the Manchester clubs, still in the tournament at the quarter final stage, there remains a good chance of a showpiece final. Last year, Arsene Wenger's much fancied Arsenal were humbled by Birmingham City, who would go on to be relegated from the Premier League later on that season. The Gunners were the overwhelming favourites in the final - after years of using the competition as an opportunity to blood their talented youngsters, it appeared as if they were finally taking the competition seriosly after six years without a trophy. But a last minute winner from Obafemi Martins, after a horrendous mix up between Arsenal keeper Wojiech Szczesny and defender Laurent Koscielny, saw the Midlanders home and Arsenal's long wait for success continues. Check www.wembleystadium.com and individual club websites for ticketing details.