Carling Cup semi-final first leg
Venue: Pride Park Date: Wednesday, 7 January Kick-off: 1945 GMT

It’s been a great year in the Carling Cup, no doubt. We’ve seen our youngsters such as Gibson, Possebon, Nani and Anderson all shine this year.

To be honest, United did get the better of the draw, avoiding Spurs and giant killers Burnley. Still, playing away from home in the first leg should benefit United a lot.

Man United are no doubt favourites for the game, and thay are likely to include Tomasz Kuszczak, Rodrigo Possebon and Darron Gibson in to the team. Carlos Tevez will also play, and hopefully all these transfer talk about him leaving can be left behind. It was Carlos Tevez who inspired Man Utd to the semi final, scoring an amazing four goals against Blackburn last month.

Derby Possible line up

Carroll

 Connolly – Powell – Nyatanga - Camara

 Teale - Addison - Green - Varney - Commons

Hulse

Man Utd Possible Line Up

Kuszczak

Rafael – Evans – Neville – O’Shea

Nani – Possebon – Gibson – Giggs (c)

Anderson

Tevez

Match Outcome

Despite a youthful side from United, expect them to dominate the game. They will have most of the possession and will constantly pester fromer keeper Roy Carroll.

Prediction 0-2