League Cup Match Preview: Leeds United vs. Manchester United

Leeds United welcome Manchester United to the third round of the competition, televised live on Sky Sports, kick-off at 7.45pm. I mean sure, clubs like Manchester United could probably do without the distraction away from league matters but for the fans it's their pride that is at stake and losing in this kind of fixture is unthinkable for those who turn up for work on Wednesday morning in a environment with 'the enemy'. Losing just isn't an option. Tonight's match should be a showcase for how competitive the cup should be, even if it's not strictly a first 11 that will be fielded from the Premier League champions. Having been humiliated on their fortress ground of Old Trafford by a spirited Leeds side in the F.A. Cup third round a year and a half ago in a 1-o defeat (Jermaine Beckford scored on that memorable day but he has since moved on), revenge is definitely on the mind of the Red Devils, and Sir. Alex Ferguson is likely to field some big names tonight such as Dimitar Berbatov, Park ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen along with the next generation of youngsters such as Paul Pogba and Will Keane. Striker Federico Macheda will also be hoping to play having being starved of first team action this season and failing to secure a loan move to another Premier League side at the death of the window. With so many changes expected it's hard to know exactly what side Fergie will field tonight but we do know for sure that Chris Smalling won't feature because of a groin injury. For Leeds, Aussie defender Patrick Kisnorbo serves a one match ban after receiving a red card against Bristol and manager Simon Grayson may himself make some changes as they play Brighton in the league on Friday night and his main goal this season is to make sure Leeds play United at least twice a year with points at stake next season and not cup progression. Leigh Bromby could feature in his place and Alex Bruce, son of former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce, will be hoping to play against the side he probably supported as a boy. Argentinean striker Luciano Becchio has been out since April but has occupied the bench for the last two fixtures and will be hoping for some involvement. He will be competing with Billy Paynter and Mikael Forssell for pitch time as Grayson is likely to rest at least one of the impressive in-form duo Andy Keogh, Mame Biram Diouf and Ross McCormack. Tonight's match will be the 107th meeting between the two clubs, United coming out victorious 54 times, Leeds 26 and 35 draws. In terms of the League Cup outings Man Utd have won every time, just as they have won every domestic game this season and will be hoping to keep up that record tonight. Man Utd (from): Lindegaard, Amos, Fabio, Jones, Evans, Giggs, Park, Carrick, Fletcher, Valencia, Owen, Berbatov, Macheda, Diouf, Pogba, W Keane, James, Brown, M.Keane, Thorpe, Fryers. Prediction 1-3 - Leeds have a huge chance tonight and it's a tricky place for the Red Devils, especially if some youngsters are fielded, to travel. Having said that I can't see anything but a United win as the whole squad is on too much of a high right now and Berbatov, Macheda & Owen are so hungry for goals. Odds for tonight's games, courtesy of Live Football Betting: Leeds Utd - 5/1 Draw - 7/2 Manchester Utd - 4/7