LONDON - Arsenal take on second division leaders Reading and Manchester United face Premier League strugglers West Bromwich Albion in this week's League Cup fourth round.
With holders Chelsea knocked out on penalties by Charlton Athletic, English soccer's other heavyweights will clearly fancy their chances of booking a place in
the quarter-finals.
Third division Doncaster Rovers will be out for a spot of giant-killing against Premier League Aston Villa, while second division Millwall, surprise 2004 FA Cup finalists, will feel the same way at home to Birmingham City.
This season's competition has already provided a few surprises, notably with three-times winners Tottenham Hotspur being dumped out by fourth division Grimsby.
Reading, well-drilled by manager Steve Coppell and four points clear of nearest rivals Sheffield United, will have nothing to lose against what is likely to be a second-string Arsenal side tomorrow.
Manager Arsene Wenger has traditionally used the competition to blood his youngsters such as striker Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and attacking midfielder Arturo Lupoli.
But Dutch striker Robin van Persie, on sparkling form for the first team and scorer of two goals in their 3-0 away win over Sunderland in the previous round, is likely to play after coming on late to score in Sunday's 3-0 win over Blackburn.
A wary Coppell told his club's website: "It's a game we can cherish, but not a game we can relish."
Thursday's tie for Manchester United will be their first at Old Trafford since the death of former great George Best. Floral tributes, scarves and messages of condolences have piled up outside the ground.
Alex Ferguson's strongest side came from behind to beat West Ham 2-1 on Sunday though their inspiration at Upton Park, England striker Wayne Rooney, will almost certainly be rested.
Italian teenager Giuseppe Rossi, who scored on his Premier League debut in October, is likely to lead the charge, having also scored in their 4-1 rout of Barnet in the previous round.
Two other ties are top-flight affairs. Charlton host Blackburn and Wigan Athletic entertain Newcastle United.
Crystal Palace, relegated last season, will want to make another point after beating European champions Liverpool in the previous round when they travel to Middlesbrough. Leicester City will similarly try their luck at Bolton Wanderers.
- REUTERS
