Manchester United's strength in depth is set to be tested for the first time this season in the wake of a last-gasp win over Liverpool that has significantly shortened the odds on Sir Alex Ferguson's side reclaiming the Premiership title.
John O'Shea's stoppage time winner at Anfield on Saturday allowed ten-man United to claim all three points against the run of the play and preserve a nine-point advantage over Chelsea at the top of the table.
But the win came at a price with Paul Scholes set to miss the next three domestic matches after being red-carded for aiming a punch at Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Ferguson was also left sweating over the availability of Wayne Rooney for Wednesday's Champions League second round, second leg tie with Lille after the forward was forced off with a knee injury he suffered as a result of a challenge by England colleague Jamie Carragher.