Crewe Alexandra v. Manchester United - Preview

The League Cup, or Carling Cup as it's commercially known, has always been a competition that Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson uses to showcase his young superstars on the big-stage.

Opponents Crewe Alexandra have had a jittery first few months in the Coca-Cola Championship and are flirting with relegation, picking up 15 points in 14 games.

Only a couple of the United players who featured in Sunday's famous 2-0 Arsenal triumph that ended their extensive unbeaten run are likely to be present in the fixture.

With a full squad of senior, reserve and youth teams to mix-and-match with, Sir Alex Ferguson's team selection is a mystery and will be eagerly anticipated by both sets of fans.

Current goalkeeping number 1 Roy Carroll wants more games under his belt to prove to fans he can indeed do a decent job in-between the sticks for United whilst Tim Howard and Ricardo also need games to build confidence. ManUtdWeb's bet is that Howard will play in goals to ease him back into first-team football after a break.

The defence should be very strong and is likely to consist of Wes Brown and Young Player of the Year Jon Spector pairing at centre-half. Youngster Guiseppe Rossi has been earning rave reviews in the reserve and youth sides this season, banging goals in from all angles in midfield and up-front. He's been compared to a cross between Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. The United faithful wishes to get a glimpse of Rossi in the first team.

First-team players who are struggling to get games this season (Eric Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson, Liam Miller, David Bellion etc) are almost certain to start the game.

Crewe boss Dario Gradi has spoken of his sheer exitment of the game ahead, stating:  "What we do know though is that whatever side they put out they will be technically very good and they would get into our side. It will be a test for our players but one we will all relish."

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Crewe 1 - United 3: I think our blend of youth and experience will prove too much for Crewe, who have been struggling so far this season.