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Crystal Palace will have the chance to spring a major upset and defeat reigning Premier League champions Manchester United when they travel to Old Trafford for their Carling Cup quarter final on Wednesday.
Palace have enjoyed a solid start to the Championship season and sit in 10th place, just a point off the play-off places, but will now turn their attention to moving one step closer to claiming the first silverware for the Eagles since their division one win in 1994.
Manchester United meanwhile will likely field an entirely different first XI from the one that mustered a 1-1 draw against Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday, with Sir Alex Ferguson admitting afterwards that he won’t be risking any of his first choice players ahead of the busy Christmas schedule.
Ferguson may choose to call upon Paul Pogba, perhaps the cream of the Scot’s current young crop, despite persistent rumours that the talented midfielder is being touted around by his agent to other leading European clubs.
Ravel Morrison, Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda should also get the nod, as should Zaki Fryers along with more experienced Da Silva twins.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says there will be a “complete change” to his side from the one that drew with Newcastle.
Youngsters Zeki Fryers, Federico Macheda, Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba are set to play, while Chris Smalling could return from injury.
Crystal Palace will likely call upon the experienced Darren Ambrose, however there are some injury worries for Dougie Freeman’s men, with Jonathan Williams absent following a broken leg while Lee Hills and Alex Marrow are also out.
Manchester United have an excellent record in the League cup and will go in search of a place in the semi-finals for the sixth occasion in 10 years, and the 13th time in their history. Four of those occasions have been converted into silverware, with the last time coming in 2010
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have an impressive record in avoiding potential banana skins in the league cup, with their last defeat at the hands of lower league opposition coming against Coventry at Old Trafford in the third round in September 2007.
Match Winner
While Manchester United go into the game as clear favourites, Palace will be hoping to capitalise on their illustrious rivals blip in form which has seen them draw their last two games in the Premier League and in Europe.
United are 1.29 (2/7) to claim a spot in the semi-finals with VC Bet despite the presence of an inexperienced line up, while Palace are 13.00 (12/1) with BetFred to take a shock win. The draw is 6.00 (5/1) with SkyBet.
First Goalscorer
United players dominate the first goalscorer market, but with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov likely to miss out, Federico Macheda is 6.00 (5/1) with @ BetFred to open the scoring and is well worth a look.
Mame Biram Diouf is 7.00 (6/1) also with BetFred while Ravel Morrison is 10.00 (9/1) withPaddy Power.
For Palace, 16/1 with Bet365 on Jermaine Easter to open the socring is good value for money, and Larnell Cole at 15.00 (14/1) with BetFred is also good value.
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: Frederico Macheda, 6.00 (5/10) BetFred
Correct score: Manchester United 3-1, 11.00 (10/1) Ladbrokes
