Carling Cup Final preview

Aston Villa and Manchester United go head to head at Wembley in the Carling Cup final. United are current holders and are hoping to retain the trophy for the first time in their history. However Villa are looking for their first trophy under manager Martin O’Neill.

The former Celtic boss has won the League Cup twice before and will be hoping for another success at Wembley on Sunday. Villa last won the competition back in 1996 and it remains their most recent trophy.

The omens don’t look good for O’Neill’s side however as they have won only two out of the last 37 encounters with the Red Devils, although one of those victories came earlier this season at Old Trafford.

Villa are hoping that Bulgarian midfielder Stiliyan Petrov will be fit after he missed Wednesday’s FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace. Goalkeeper Brad Friedel, defender James Collins and striker Emile Heskey are likely to come back into the starting line-up after being rested in midweek.

Manchester United will be without defender Rio Ferdinand and midfielder Anderson, who will miss the rest of the season. United will also be without Ryan Giggs and winger Nani who is suspended. United’s star striker Wayne Rooney will be looking to add to his 27 goals in all competitions this season.