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League Cup Preview: Manchester United - Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham chase a League Cup record...

Nov 30, 2009 8:20:00 PM

Carling Cup: Ledley King and Robbie Keane, Chelsea - Tottenham Hotspur (PA)

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Carling Cup: Ledley King and Robbie Keane, Chelsea - Tottenham Hotspur (PA)

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By Alan Dawson

Kick-Off: Tuesday, November 31, 20:00.
Old Trafford, Manchester.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to defeat Manchester United in order to rid themselves of their final heartbreak in last season's concluding Carling Cup fixture.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side triumphed after a penalty shoot-out, that showed how modern technology can help swing a game in one team's favour - Ben Foster studying clips of Spurs' spot-kick takers on his iPod prior to any attempted penalty shot.

The task, though, may seem daunting. Some of the Lilywhites' younger stars may not have even been born the last time Tottenham tasted victory at Old Trafford - in any competition. It has been almost two decades since the Spurs returned to London with a win.

However, with United appearing to be the only challenger to Chelsea in the Premier League race, and with Ferguson's faith in his fringe and youth players, Harry Redknapp has the opportune moment to remedy that woeful record against the Red Devils.

United's recent form is hardly one that will have Tottenham quaking in their cleats. Ferguson et al have suffered two defeats in their past five fixtures.

Should Spurs progress, then they will equal a League Cup record of 12 semi-final appearances. United, though, are yet to concede in this competition this season.

FORM GUIDE

Manchester United

Portsmouth 1-4 Man United
Man United 0-1 Besiktas
Man United 3-0 Everton
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
Man United 3-3 CSKA Moscow

Tottenham Hotspur

Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham
Tottenham 9-1 Wigan
Tottenham 2-0 Sunderland
Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham
Tottenham 2-0 Everton

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson continues to rue an abundant treatment room.

First choice shot-stopper Edwin Van der Sar has a knee problem, versatile Brazilian prodigy Fabio da Silva is sidelined with a groin strain. Irish utility man John O'Shea is receiving treatment for a thigh muscle strain, while Northern Irishman Jonny Evans is recovering from a calf muscle problem. All of the aforementioned, however, are nearing an imminent return to the senior side.

Longer spells on the sidelines await Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves, though. The roaming centre back, like Evans, has a calf muscle injury, while the anchoring midfielder continues to find full fitness after a long and arduous battle against his knee issues.

Ferguson may elect to partner one of either Federico Macheda or Dan Welbeck, with fringe striker Michael Owen. Ben Foster will likely deputise for Kuszczak, in order to give the Pole a rest.

Last starting XI (Portsmouth 4-5-1): Kuszczak, Neville, Evra, Brown, Vidic, Giggs, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Valencia, Rooney.

Tottenham Hotspur

Primary centre back pairing Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King remain at least one week away from making their returns. The former has been out of action due to a groin strain while the latter has been suffering a hamstring problem.

Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini remains in recovery after sustaining a broken wrist.

Playmaking midfielder Luka Modric, meanwhile, is nursing a broken leg.

Mexican international Giovani dos Santos arrived to the Premier League from Barcelona amid relentless hype, however, he was since shuttled off to Ipswich Town. Dos Santos has returned to White Hart Lane, and has recovered from an ankle knock. He may get a chance to re-establish his credentials as "one for the future".

Last starting XI (Aston Villa 4-4-2): Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Huddlestone, Palacios, Kranjcar, Defoe, Crouch.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United

When either one or the other, or both, of the Da Silva twins play, they look impressive, almost acting as playmakers from the full back berths. Fabio is injured, but Rafael will likely slot in at right-back ahead of Gary Neville.

Tottenham Hotspur

Pacey winger Aaron Lennon is flourishing under the tutelage of paternal motivator Harry Redknapp. The diminutive winger was in destructive form against Wigan, and Redknapp continues to laud his name. Should Dos Santos start, though, he could be worth keeping an eye on. For the forward, who has fallen from grace since his days at Camp Nou, has much to prove. Peter Crouch has scored four in the Carling Cup so far.

PREDICTION

Manchester United 2-2 (2-3 a.e.t) Tottenham Hotspur

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