By Chris O'Brien
December 25 2005

Manchester United will take on Mark Hughes' Blackburn Rovers in the semi-finals of the Football League Cup. The Red Devils will visit Ewood Park in the first-leg of the tie, with a place at the Millennium Stadium at stake.

Manchester United will face Lancastrian rivals Blackburn Rovers in the semi-finals of the Carling-sponsored League Cup.

Following the impressive victory at Birmingham City, United will look to overcome Mark Hughes' Rovers over two-legs for a place at the Millennium Stadium. The draw is pleasing for the Red Army, avoiding the other 'big gun' left in the competition. Arsenal, who edged out Doncaster Rovers on penalties, face the Premiership's surprise package Wigan Athletic.

It has been something of a moderate season for Blackburn so far, and the Cup run has proved an exciting distraction for the fans from the obscurity of mid-table mediocrity. Sparky is keeping his side away from relegation problems but also well away from a European challenge as the mid-stage of the season approaches.

With the European dream over the wrong end of Christmas and Chelsea running away with the Premiership title, the League Cup enjoys greater purpose for United's supporters. After last season's F.A Cup disappointment, another chance of Cup success is an exciting prospect and Sir Alex Ferguson will be desperate to add to his impressive array of medals.

The first-leg will take place at Blackburn's Ewood Park on the 11th January, with the return fixture thirteen days later.

Football League Cup semi-final draw:

Wigan Athletic v Arsenal
Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United