The Carling cup may not have the prestige of the Premier League, champions league or even FA cup but its a chance for Both Manchester United and Aston VIlla players to stake a claim in the history books.

Through all their success Manchester United have never managed to defend a cup title while for villa its a chance at their first piece of glory since 1996. Martin O’Neil wants the trip down Wembely way to become a familiar one.

Cup finals though are a much more familiar scenario for United and Alex Fergeson has paid tribute to the work O’Neil has done to get villa to the final.

Team news and sir Alex has a few dilemma’s, he will have to do without new England captain Rio Ferdinand who has a back injury while Nani is suspended

On the other hand Villa have almost a full squad to choose from captain Stillion Petrov is in contention after recovering from a slight illness. Brad Freidl, James collins and Emiel Heskey are back after being rested against crystal Palace in mid week. the action begins at 3.