United to face Hammers

HOLDERS Manchester United will continue their bid for a third successive Carling Cup win against West Ham at Upton Park after Saturday’s Carling Cup quarter-final draw.

Birmingham landed a home tie against city rivals Aston Villa, just 24 hours before they played out a scoreless draw in the Premier League yesterday.

The Blues made hard work of reaching the last eight, narrowly overcoming npower League One outfit Brentford on penalties, while Gerard Houllier’s Villa needed Stewart Downing’s stunning strike to see off Championship side Burnley after extra time.

Arsenal’s play 2006 finalists Wigan, while Roy Keane’s Ipswich, the only side from outside the top flight remaining in the competition, will take on West Brom.

The quarter-final ties will be played in the week beginning November 29.