TEAM NEWS FOR THE CUP DERBY

Jon Macken and Robbie Fowler will therefore be City's forward pairing with Stephen Elliott likely to remain on the bench. The young Irish striker, who has hit 4 goals in 8 games for the reserves this season, was called up for the first time at Anfield.

David James is cup-tied so Kevin Keegan is forced to give Arni Arason his second City start. The Icelandic keeper will not be facing Louis Saha though as the new United striker is also cup-tied.

Sun Jihai, an unused sub on Wednesday, is away on international duty with China so City's defence is likely to be unchanged.

Gary Neville and Roy Keane are set to return for United.