Sports

Saturday February 28, 2009

Tottenham defends League Cup crown against Man U

LONDON (AP) - A year after upsetting the odds by beating Chelsea in the League Cup Final, Tottenham defends its crown Sunday against equally daunting opposition.

Premier League leader Manchester United stands between Tottenham and its second trophy in as many seasons.

Even if the European Champions field a weakened side, the Red Devils remain heavy favorites.

The League Cup is something of a sideshow for both clubs.

It represents the least coveted trophy of a possible quadruple for United, while Tottenham's priority is to ensure Premier League survival.

However, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will field his strongest possible lineup, waiting until the last minute to see if captain Ledley King is fit to start ahead of Michael Dawson.

"Dawson has been fantastic, but I picked Ledley the other night because he's so important and he's a special player," Redknapp said.

"It's always the case with Ledley of waiting to see how he recovers after a game."

Redknapp, who replaced Juande Ramos at White Hart Lane in October, effectively sacrificed his side's chances in the UEFA Cup Thursday, with the United game in mind.

"I'm not worried about the UEFA Cup, I would just love to win on Sunday," Redknapp said, after watching his exit the European competition 3-1 on aggregate at the hands of Shakhtar Donetsk.

With the Shakhtar tie less than 72 hours before the clash with United, Redknapp fielded a virtual reserve side against the Ukraine club, with only goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and midfielder Tom Huddlestone likely to start at Wembley.

"We're involved in a cup final on Sunday, that was the problem tonight," an unapologetic Redknapp said.

"I don't even know how I am supposed to do anything else. I've had to juggle around this week."

Central midfielder Jamie O'Hara could also figure, after lasting 71 minutes against Shakhtar following a monthlong layoff, while Jonathan Woodgate should be fit despite suffering a head injury in Tottenham's 2-1 win at Hull Monday.

"Woodgate's OK," said Redknapp.

"He's had a lot of stitches in his head, but they all want to play. Tom (Huddlestone) could play. When Tom plays like that, you could play three central defenders. He can read it and pass it. He'd be so well suited for that."

Striker Robbie Keane, who rejoined the club in the January transfer window is ineligible, having played against Tottenham for Liverpool earlier in the competition.

Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has scored in every round, should be fit after recovering from a groin injury.

United manager Alex Ferguson is unlikely to field his strongest team, but Redknapp warned against describing any Red Devils' side as understrength.

"Alex may change one or two but he wants to win everything," he said.

"That is why he is what he is. He's not going to put out a team that he doesn't think will win."

Redknapp has managed three different sides to victory against United in the FA Cup, including Portsmouth, which went on to win the title last year.

But he remained modest when asked about his record againt Ferguson, saying, "You say a good record but no one has a winning record against Fergie."

Ferguson believes the young players are ready to seize their chance.

"Some time ago, I took a deliberate decision with (former United coach) Carlos Queiroz that the way forward with our youngsters was that as soon as we identified they had the quality and temperament to become first-team players, then we would bring them into the squad and let them train with the seniors," he said.

In the Premier League, second-placed Liverpool has the chance to close the gap on United with a trip to struggling Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Striker Fernando Torres is out after he picked up an ankle injury in the first minute of the Reds' 1-0 Champions League win at Real Madrid Wednesday, but Steven Gerrard could start after coming on as a substitute in the Bernebau.

Third-place Chelsea hosts Wigan, with interim manager Guus Hiddink claiming his side's fitness levels are partially responsible for their 10-point gap to United.

"I was not happy with the functionality of the team but we will improve it," he said, after Wednesday's 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League.

"They are not at tip-top physical level."

Arsenal, which is fifth and 17 points behind Man United, hosts Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.

Andrei Arshavin returns and manager Arsene Wenger was given a double boost with the news that Abou Diaby has shaken off a thigh injury and Theo Walcott will resume training on Monday.

Saturday's other game sees sixth-place Everton host West Bromwich Albion, which is last.

Fourth-place Aston Villa prepared for Sunday's home game with Stoke by resting eight players for Thursday night's 2-0 defeat at CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Cup.

"I'm disappointed," said manager Martin O'Neill.

"But I made the decisions at the time and I have to stick by it. Three games in six days does take its toll and it's important to look at the bigger picture."

Sunday's other games are Bolton vs. Newcastle, Hull vs. Blackburn, West Ham vs. Manchester City.


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