Ferguson contemplates United changes

London: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to alter his line-up when the Premier League leaders travel to Birmingham on Tuesday.

South Korea’s Park Ji-Sung has left Old Trafford for international duty at the Asia Cup but Nani is set to be available following a hip injury. But veteran midfielder Paul Scholes is out with a groin problem while Ferguson has doubts over both John O’Shea and Darren Fletcher. Birmingham could have on-loan Baracelona midfielder Alexander Hleb on their bench following his recovery from a hamstring injury. Manchester City, just two points behind United, will have Kolo Toure back from a one-game suspension for their match at home to Aston Villa and he is set to replace Joleon Lescott in central defence.Tottenham Hotspur forward Jermain Defoe starts a three-match ban against Newcastle United after receiving a straight red card for violent conduct during Sunday’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa. Defoe is set to be replaced by either England forward Peter Crouch or Roman Pavlyuchenko at White Hart Lane. Bureau Report