‘Romance’ is a word often used by pundits and fans when talking about domestic cup competitions, with the unique circumstances of knockout football providing all the ingredients for the fairy-tale story. In a footballing world where the gaps between divisions have extended beyond recognition, the chance for plucky underdog to land a punch on an opponent that heavily outranks them is evident.

The Capital One Cup is perhaps the greatest example of this in the English game, as the sides from League Two are presented with the opportunity to rub shoulders with the very best. Granted, the score lines can be an indication of the divide, but every now and then the something comes along that makes everybody sit up and take notice.

Last year’s competition was a fine illustration of the underdog enjoying a moment in the sun. Bradford City were, for the most part of the previous campaign, in serious danger of slipping out of the Football League and potentially existence, however their cup run was one that many top tier sides would have been proud of.

The Bantams registered unthinkable results to knock out the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa on their way to a showpiece final at Wembley where they faced Swansea – who themselves had come a long way in booking a spot in the tie. The class of the Premier League representatives eventually told as they cruised to a 5-0 victory, but that didn’t detract at all from the achievements of the Yorkshire outfit, who had defied the odds on numerous occasions to give many of their fans an unforgettable set of memories.

It is runs like this that get the hearts of fans from all 92 clubs eligible to enter the competition racing. From the Champions of England right down to teams just establishing themselves in the league system, all have the chance of lifting silverware and featuring in an all-or-nothing encounter at the home of English football.

One-off games have all of the tools to provide shocks, thrills and spills, with a chance for lesser-known player to establish their names in footballing folklore. Such opportunities are few and far between with the pattern that the sport has now taken, as financial muscle has thwarted the prospect of a level playing field. Over the distance of a season the better outfit would easily move clear, but when the chips are down in a midweek tie under the floodlights, anything can happen.

The Capital One Cup presents the ‘romance’ like no other, reminding us of what football can be all about. It may be a little cliché, but a cliché is indeed a cliché for a reason, and League Cup has a habit of throwing fans a shock result or a memorable moment.

This season’s offering is likely to be no different, with a selection of teams all looking at the possibility of ‘doing a Bradford’. Who knows, maybe this year’s underdog can go one better in February.

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