Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers

Manchester United host Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday, in a match which sees visiting manager Paul Ince return to Old Trafford. Ince has found the transition into top flight management more taxing than many predicted, with Rovers currently occupying 19th place in the Premier League. He insists that he can cope with the pressure, but this match may offer the perfect respite from a run of nine matches without a win in the league.

That sequence began with a 2-0 home defeat to United on 4th October when goals from Wes Brown and Wayne Rooney eased the Red Devils to victory.

Rovers have defeated Grimsby, Everton and Sunderland to reach this stage, while United have seen off Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers. A Carlos Tevez penalty did for the Londoners in the previous round and the Argentinian is set to start on Wednesday night as he continues to find playing time hard to come by in the league.

One to watch: Roque Santa Cruz has not hit the heights of his amazing debut season, but this is partly down to injury. The Paraguayan remains a formidable force in attack and will look to exploit any weaknesses in what may be an inexperienced United back-line.

Stewart Coggin