The League Cup is at last throwing its weight around on the football calendar. Manchester United are reported to have cancelled their Christmas party to make room for tonight's quarter-final against Chelsea (Sky Sports 2, 8.0) at Old Trafford and both Alex Ferguson and Claudio Ranieri, his opposite number at Chelsea, will field near full-strength sides.

Ferguson confirmed yesterday that David Beckham would be fit after it was widely reported that the England captain midfielder had suffered a knee problem in the victory over West Ham at the weekend.

"No, he didn't," said Ferguson. "He was training this morning and there is no problem."

Beckham could be in the starting line-up after having to settle for a place on the bench in his first two matches after recovering from a broken rib.

Striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also expected to play after shrugging off a slight calf strain picked up on Saturday.

United go into the quarter-final tie on the back of seven straight wins and four clean sheets. Ferguson insists he will field a strong squad for the game and states they are in it to win it. "There is no question that in the last few games the players have increased their performance level," he said.

"I don't know what side I am going to play, I am mulling it over, but I know Chelsea are going to play their strongest side and I have to take recognition of that and make sure we have a side that can win.

"We want to give one or two players the experience but the main structure of the team will be the same as Saturday. A home draw in a quarter-final is always a great incentive. There is no question we want to win the cup."

Ranieiri is of the same mind. "I will always put our best team out because I want to win every match and every competition," the Italian said yesterday.

"Chelsea cannot choose at the moment. When Chelsea have won eight or 10 titles like Manchester United, then maybe we can choose."

Marcel Desailly is back in the Chelsea squad after missing the draw with Middlesbrough due to undisclosed personal reasons.

Graeme Le Saux suffered a knock at the Riverside but has reported fit - as have Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and William Gallas, who were both substituted after asking to come off.

In tonight's other quarter-finals, defending champions Blackburn, who will also be at full strength, visit second division leaders Wigan. Crystal Palace visit Sheffield United in an all first division tie.

Liverpool travel to Aston Villa for the remaining quarter-final tomorrow night.