Carling cup final build up

by John Naldrett

The first domestic silverware of the season will be up for grabs this Sunday when Aston Villa face holders Manchester United in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley.

Alex Ferguson’s men will be determined to retain the trophy they won last season against Tottenham after a penalty shoot-out.

United are considered clear favourites and Ferguson had the luxury of resting several players during Tuesday’s 3-0  win over West Ham at Old Trafford in preparation for the final.

Injuries

Rio Ferdinand joins Ryan Giggs (arm) and John O’Shea (thigh) on the list of casualties while the improving Nani will serve the final game of his suspension.

Owen Hargreaves is out with a long-term knee problem.

Despite being under-strength, United will have good reason to feel confident with the irrepressible presence of Wayne Rooney in the team.

The England striker has scored 27 goals this season and is sure to be a handful, even for Aston Villa who boast the Premier League’s meanest defence.

Villa themselves will be desperate to win their first trophy since 1996 and their first under manager Martin O’Neill.

They will no doubt be looking for a repeat of the performance that saw them secure a surprise 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford back in December.

Chance of silverware for O'Neil

O’Neill, who has previously won this competition both as a player and as a manager, believes victory on Sunday could spur his Villa team on to bigger and better things.

He is looking to end Villa’s trophyless period which now stretches 14 years since a 3-0 victory over Leeds United in the same competition.

Villa will be relying on the excellent form of young English midfield trio Ashley Young, James Milner and Stuart Downing to provide the service for strikers Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor.

O’Neill’s only major injury worry is left-back Stephen Warnock, who faces a late fitness test on a shin injury. Nigel Reo-Coker is definitely out with an ankle problem.