Holders Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on Tuesday evening in the Carling Cup quarter-final, in what is a repeat of last season's final at Wembley.

A youthful United prevailed on that occasion, winning 4-1 in a penalty shootout after 120 minutes had failed to yield a single goal between the two sides.

Having opted for youth once again in the competition, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is set to field his latest batch of fledglings as he seeks to juggle the demands of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

The United 'babes', who include the likes of Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck, have came in for some stern criticism after they lost 1-0 to Besiktas last Wednesday - the Red Devils' first home defeat in Europe in four years!

However, Fergie and club captain Gary Neville have came out and backed the club's young guns this week and they will be given another chance to prove themselves at the Theatre of Dreams on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will take his side to the home of the champions in confident modd haveing following up their 9-1 thrashing of Wigan last weekend with a solid 1-1 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday.

'Arry will be hoping his charges can carry that momentum with them into the clash with a much changed United side as they themselves plot a place in the last four of the Carling Cup for a fourth consecutive season.

Team News:

Manchester United are still without defender Rio Ferdinand who is not expected to return until Christmas due to his persisent back injury.

Defenders John O'Shea (thigh) and Jonny Evans (calf) and crocked midfielder Owen Hargreaves (knee) are sidelined with the likes of Rafael da Silva, Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck set to come in.

Tottenham will be without Ledley King, who is still nursing a hamstring injury, and Jonathan Woodgate (groin), leaving Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong to continue in partnership together at the heart of the defence.

Up front captain Robbie Keane is set for a recall, as are Gareth Bale and Jermaine Jenas.

Probable Line-Ups (*Star Man):

Manchester United (4-4-2): Foster; Rafael, Vidic, Brown, Evra; Welbeck, Gibson, Carrick, Nani; Owen, Berbatov*

Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Bentley, Palacios, Jenas, Bale; Keane, Defoe*

ExtraFootie Prediction: Manchester United 1 - 2 Tottenham. Spurs arrive into the match on a high following their impressive recent results and we tip them to surprise the holders, who will pay the price for a much changed side.