Seedings system makes League Cup tougher proposition, says Bruce

STEVE BRUCE believes the Capital One Cup has become the toughest of the two domestic knockout competitions to win.

Hull City are tonight bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the club’s history as Premier League Leicester City head to the KC Stadium.

The Tigers are one of only three teams from the Football League still in the competition, something manager Bruce puts down partly to the seeding system that is used in the early rounds.

“To me, the League Cup is probably a harder thing to win than the FA Cup because of the seedings and the big clubs not coming in until the third round,” said Bruce, who took Hull to the FCCup final at Wembley in May, 2014. “But let’s enjoy the challenge. We have got to go and enjoy it. It is a cup tie and, if we win, then we are in the quarterfinals. And we all know that is when anything can happen.”

Middlesbrough, who travel to Manchester United tomorrow, and Sheffield Wednesday are the only other non top-flight clubs still in the competition.

Bruce plans to rest several of his players against the Foxes, with Tom Huddlestone, Mohamed Diame and Shaun Maloney set to come in.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri is also set to rotate the Foxes’ squad.

Top scorer Jamie Vardy will be one of those to drop out after last weekend joining an elite group to have scored in seven consecutive Premier League games.

Bruce added: “Leicester are flying at the minute, probably the form team of the Premier League. They are also probably the club that sent us down (last season) so it would be nice to turn them over.

“The back end of last season and the start of this season has been nothing short of incredible. It is Champions League form that Leicester have been showing.

“It will be a tough game, that’s for sure, because everyone will be confident. I envisage Leicester making changes, but they are a Premier League team so they have got good players all the way through the squad.

“We all know that the league always takes precedent over the cup competitions, but once you get to the later stages, who knows what can happen?”

Huddlestone and Diame will welcome the chance to start tonight after being on the bench for the Tigers’ last two games.

Bruce added: “If you are going to keep a fit and healthy squad, it is up to players to take their chances. I was delighted with the way our midfield played on Saturday (against Birmingham).”