FA Cup Preview: Manchester United v. Tottenham

Manchester United will enter this game with a large contingent of their stars on the injured list. United have so many injuries, especially on defense that it is likely we'll see Darren Fletcher playing right back.

While the defense will be a patchwork of midfielders and youngsters, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov, and Carlos Tevez will all be fit for Saturday's cup tie.

Last year United dumped Tottenham out of the FA Cup in the same round at Old Trafford. Robbie Keane put the visitors ahead after United surged back for the victory. A similar outcome looks bleak with the injury crisis United have.

The game will give us a feel of what the Carling Cup final will look like, and I am sure the match will be edgy for most its duration.

Jermain Defoe will anchor Tottenham's strike force, and Tottenham will be keen to get a result after a very poor run of form have seen them need to grab two extra time goals to see off Burnley in the Carling Cup semifinal. 

In addition, this run has put them back into relegation danger, even though just five points separates 20th place from 10th place in the Premier League.

United have won nine of their last ten matches in all competitions with their one loss meaning little in the first leg of the Carling Cup semifinal. Goals have been relatively hard to come by, but United will be looking to continue the form that has seen them reach the summit in the league.

It may very well be United's defense that keeps them in this one, the starting back four may well be a mystery until the team lists are given minutes before the match.

Prediction: I think United will have enough experience in the back with Van Der Sar, Fletcher and O'Shea to keep a clean sheet. The result will depend on how Tottenham decides to play.

If Tottenham play for a draw, tucking 10 men behind the ball, I think the may very well get it. If they play more open, seeking to exploit United's patchwork defense, United may very well take advantage and be able to score. I think United will just nick it, adding fuel to the fire that has started to be fanned again in North London.

Result: United 1 - Tottenham 0