The Battle of Manchester

Rio Ferdinand is set to miss tonight's crunch Manchester derby after being charged with violent conduct by the FA.
The United defender faces a three-game ban for a forearm smash on Hull's Craig Fagan, according Sun

If Ferdinand appeals by 6pm he can play in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester rivals City.

But he would risk having his ban increased if a panel decides the appeal has no grounds.

The FA took action after seeing footage of England centre-back Ferdinand, 31, swinging round and catching Fagan in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Tigers at Old Trafford.

Ref Steve Bennett missed the incident and, in fact, booked striker Fagan for his protests.

Boss Alex Ferguson now has to decide whether to risk an appeal and weigh up whether tonight's game is more important than an extra league game.