Page "Football League Cup" Paragraph 2

Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely.

Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience.

Recently, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as " a pot worth winning ".

Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the ' youth ' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.