Balance of power shifting

IS the Carling Cup unimportant? Something to get out of the way before the business end of the season kicks in? Try telling these two teams, who need to win the second leg of this tie for more than a place in the final.

For Chelsea the Carling Cup represents a chance to end a five-year trophy drought the first of a possible four.

For Manchester United it represents their best chance of silverware this season, though they are still in every competition Chelsea are in.