Barnet go to the Theatre of Dreams tonight hoping to pull off a shock cup upset even though this is their first ever venture into the 3rd round of the League Cup.
Manchester United will continue their policy of player mostly youth and reserve players in the Carling Cup.
Vital Quotes:
Assistant manager Queiroz has stood by their policy of using youth players in these cup games: ‘Every competition is important to us but we will not compromise our strategic approach to this one just because we didn’t do well last season,’ Adding ‘We trust the youngsters who will play. We know they have great qualities, that is why they are here.’
Barnet manager Fairclough said: ‘It will be a difficult game – but we must take heart from what Exeter did at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round last season. They managed to get a draw, and were unlucky to lose the replay 2-0. Playing against lower-league opposition can sometimes make big teams nervous, because they think they should win easily.’
Manchester United Team News:
United’s squad for the Carling Cup will include a high number of youngsters. Wes Brown will make his first appearance for three months having finally recovered from a thigh injury. Kieran Richardson also returns. Saha has pulled up with a hamstring and will now miss the tie despite being pencilled in for a start. (from): Howard, Steele, Bardsley, Simpson, Brown, Pique, Eckersley, Richardson, O’Shea, Fletcher, Martin, Miller, Ronaldo, Rossi, Ebanks-Blake, Smith, Rooney.
Player to watch: Alan Smith
If he plays, he could cause Barnet serious problems!
Barnet Team News:
Simon Clist and Ben Bowditch are out with groin strains, but the rest of the squad is fit for selection. Barnet are expected to line up with a 4-5-1 formation. (from): Flitney, Hendon, Yakubu, King, Charles, Stevens, Bailey, Lee, Sinclair, Soares, Grazioli, Tynan, Bowditch, Graham, Norville, Gross
Player to watch: The Team.
It won’t be about individual brilliance tonight, it will be about team work.
Match Facts & Stats
Barnet are 21st place in League Two following a poor start to the season. But in the Carling Cup they have beaten Bristol City and Plymouth to gain their trip to Old Trafford. This is the first time Barnet have reached the 3rd round of the League Cup.
Ref Watch:
Data not available.
Match Prediction:
Barnet will battle, but Man Utd have too much quality not to come out the victors. Home win.
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