The Carling Cup has often been seen as a ‘Mickey Mouse’ competition for the top four in years gone by – a chance to give a few youngsters a run out at the most.

That said; with Manchester City and Liverpool already through, Manchester United have the opportunity tonight to join them in what would be a strong draw for the Semi-Finals.

But there is a dogged, determined Scotsman in the way of Sir Alex Ferguson’s young Red Devils side.

In Dougie Freedman, Crystal Palace have a manager hungry for success, very much like his elder counterpart many years ago.

It’s full of clichés this game: a real David vs Goliath story. But with United likely to field a young, relatively inexperienced side, Crystal Palace fans will surely be hoping they can catch their opposition on a bad day.

Just remember on this day exactly a year ago, a young Manchester United side lost 4-0 away at West Ham United to go crashing out of the competition. Food for thought maybe. Or not!

Who do you think will win tonight? Will Fergie’s babes come out on top or will Freedman motivate his side to claim one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history? Let us know via the comments section below or on our Twitter and Facebook pages.