While addressing the media on Friday, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson indicated that he is not afraid to go with youth for this upcoming tie. In defense, he stated goalkeeper David de Gea will make his first Old Trafford start despite a shaky start to his United career. The experienced Patrice Evra will return from injury to play left-back while Chris Smalling will be the right-back. The center-back tandem will be Jonny Evans and Phil Jones. In central midfield, both Anderson and Tom Cleverley were terrific last week versus West Brom and each are strong candidates to start versus Spurs. If he is fully fit, Michael Carrick is also a strong candidate to play in the center so that he can help shield a young back four in defense. Out wide, Ashley Young is likely to featured on the left while Nani is probable on the right. Park Ji-sung may also be considered for either wide spot. Up front, Rooney is certain to start and his partner is likely to be either Danny Welbeck or Dimitar Berbatov.
For Spurs, newly acquired Brad Friedel likely gets the nod in goal over Gomes. Expect to see Younes Kaboul and Michael Dawson as the center-back pairing. Vedran Corluka is the probable right-back with Benoit Assou-Ekotto at left-back. Any two of Modric, Huddlestone, or Niko Kranjcar, are likely start in the center of the park -- perhaps depending on Modric's health or any possible transfer prior to Monday. Aaron Lennon will be on the right flank while Gareth Bale will be on the left. The lead striker will be either Jermaine Defoe or Roman Pavlyuchenko and behind them in the hole will be Rafael Van der Vaart.
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