Fergie to gamble on second string Devils

ALEX FERGUSON is ready to take a Carling Cup risk at Blackburn tonight to ensure Manchester United are fully primed for their derby-day trip to Eastlands.

United face a lunchtime battle with Manchester City on Saturday when local pride is on the line as well as an opportunity to cut Chelsea’s massive Premiership lead to 10 points.

Having been forced to rely on Edwin van der Sar’s last-gasp save to deny City victory at Old Trafford earlier in the season, Ferguson is in no mood to hand over more points to the Red Devils’ local rivals.