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Ferdinand set for City showdown despite FA rap

LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is set to face Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final later Wednesday after denying a charge of violent conduct.

Ferdinand faces disciplinary action in the shape of a three-match ban after being charged with violent conduct on Tuesday by the Football Association (FA).

The charge stems from an incident during United's Premier League clash with Hull during which Ferdinand clashed with Hull forward Craig Fagan.

Ferdinand had until 1800 GMT to respond to the FA charge but according to PA Sport he has got his plea in early, confirming that he will be in Sir Alex Ferguson's United line-up for the semi-final decider at Old Trafford.

The England defender had the option of accepting the charge, for which the standard punishment is a three-game ban, by pleading guilty, or contesting the decision which means Ferdinand will face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday.