The League Cup

By Chris
November 16 2008

Before Saturday’s superb 5-0 win over Stoke City, the draw for the quarter-finals of the League Cup was made. United have been handed a home draw against Lancashire rivals Blackburn in a tie which will see Rovers boss Paul Ince return to his former stomping ground. The bookies now make us favourites to lift the trophy - but we face a tough task if we are to progress to the final four.

Blackburn booked their place in the last eight following a 2-1 win at Sunderland and will travel to Old Trafford in the week beginning December 1st.

Meanwhile, Burnley's reward for ousting Chelsea at the Bridge is a lucrative home-tie against Arsenal, whilst Derby travel to the Potteries and Watford host Spurs.

Following the draw, SkyBet have made United favourites to win the Carling-sponsored competition at a price of 7/4. Arsenal are second favourites at 9/4, whilst holders Tottenham are third and marked up at 3/1.

United and Blackburn have met in this competition on four occasions - United claiming two wins with two draws. The last meeting was in the 2006 semi-final with United claiming a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park in the first-leg, before edging the second contest by two-goals-to-one.

The full draw is as follows:

Stoke City v. Derby County
Manchester United v. Blackburn Rovers
Burnley v. Arsenal
Watford v. Spurs