United's under-18 side are massive favourites to sink the East Midlanders and book a mouth-watering home encounter with Liverpool – who have lifted the trophy in two of the last three seasons.

But academy boss Neil Thompson has warned his troops not to write off the plucky underdogs, who gave West Ham a run for their money before bowing out at the third-round stage last year.

Thompson said: "It's Oadby's cup final. They might not have an academy or centre of excellence, but they will be well up for this game.

"We'll approach the game in the right manner. If we are on our game, we should progress, but the nature of the beast is take if you don't perform – especially on a pitch like there's – there could be an upset.

"They got to the third round last year before being knocked out by West Ham, so they have a bit of a pedigree.

"A home tie with Liverpool just before Christmas is a cracking incentive, but the players aren't thinking about that yet.

"We've got to earn the right first (at Oadby); it won't just happen for us and we've got to make sure they don't put on over us.

"Playing in the youth cup and doing well is a big thing for us."

Kick-off at Topps Park is 7.30pm.