Monday, November 30, 2009

Man Utd v Tottenham

Man Utd    v    Tottenham

    Carling Cup quarter-final
    Venue: Old Trafford Date: Tuesday, 1 December 2009 Kick-off: 2000 GMT
    Coverage: Full commentary on BBC 94.9FM & Online, BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio & highlights on The League Cup Show

    TEAM NEWS

    Teenage forwards Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck are competing with Michael Owen for a place in the Manchester United line-up.

    Rafael Da Silva could be included at right-back to give veteran Gary Neville a rest, while Ben Foster is expected to replace Tomasz Kuszczak in goal.

    Tottenham defender Ledley King is still out with a hamstring problem, while Niko Kranjcar is cup-tied.

    Giovani Dos Santos could feature after recently returning to training.

    MATCH PREVIEW

    Tottenham, beaten on penalties by United in last year's final, are looking to reach the last four of the League Cup for a record-equalling 12th time.

    606: DEBATE

    Spurs have not won at Old Trafford since a Gary Lineker goal gave them a victory there nearly 20 years ago, and now face a United side that has not lost in this competition since being humbled by Coventry in 2007.

    The north Londoners are third in the Premier League, and manager Harry Redknapp declared after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa that his team are good enough to seriously challenge for a top-four finish.

    Their performance at the weekend underlined how far they have progressed this season, and a win against United would further boost their growing reputation.

    MATCH FACTS

    Head-to-head

    • These clubs have met 170 times. Manchester United have won 79 of those matches and Tottenham 46, with 45 drawn.

    • United have not lost in 20 league and cup matches against Spurs. They have won 15 and drawn five since Tottenham's 3-1 home win in the Premier League in May 2001.

    Manchester United

    • Holders United are aiming to win this competition for the fourth time.

    • All of their previous three League Cup triumphs have been under current boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

    • The last goal United conceded in this competition was against Derby County in the second leg of last season's semi-finals.

    Tottenham

    • Tottenham have suffered just one defeat in regular play in their last 15 League Cup ties.

    • They won this tournament in 1971, 1973, 1999 and 2008, and have been runners-up on three occasions.

    • Leading Spurs to last season's final is the best Harry Redknapp has achieved in the League Cup as a manager.

    • Peter Crouch is the joint leading scorer in this season's Carling Cup with four goals, including a hat-trick against Preston.

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