Bryan Robson admits that the 'George Best' factor will ensure that tomorrow's Carling Cup clash at Manchester United will be emotional.

However, he expects his Albion side to be fully focused and 'play the game not the occasion.'

Albion are the first visitors to Old Trafford since Best passed away, so any hopes of a low-key Carling Cup tie have been dashed with the world's media poised to descend on Old Trafford to pay their respects to arguably the greatest player in the history of football.

Manchester United usually field an weakened side in this tournament as Sir Alex Ferguson has nailed it to the bottom of his priority list.

Nevertheless, with a full house guaranteed and a host of tributes planned to the Manchester United star then Ferguson may feel obliged to change that policy and employ some of his star names for this fixture.

In contrast to United's approach, Robson believes this competition is of paramount importance and a place in the quarter-final beckons for the winner.

Right-back Steve Watson will be the only enforced change from Albion's starting line-up that drew 2-2 at Middlesbrough on Sunday as he is suffering from a slight hamstring strain, so Martin Albrechsten is expected to step into the breach.

Yet Robson will be looking for his side to continue their impressive form that has seen them garner four points and six goals from their last two Premiership fixtures whatever side they face at Old Trafford.

"We have to play the game not the occasion," he confirmed. "I don't know what team we will face but I do know Sir Alex will field a side that he thinks is good enough to beat us.

"Whether that includes some of his squad players rather than his big hitters only he will know.

"He will have in his mind their game at Portsmouth at the weekend as it is vital they don't lose any more ground on Chelsea and he will definitely have the Benfica game on his mind as well.

"But over the years he has been very good at team selection and known when to rest people and when to play people. He gets it right most times.

"However, our lads will be up for challenge. I want a good performance and try and get into the quarter-finals."

But Robson knows there will be an outpouring of emotion for Best on the evening that will create an uplifting atmosphere and is sure to benefit a home side who are, unusually, struggling for form at Old Trafford.

And Robson insists that Best deserves all the plaudits that will be proffered to him by the home support.

"It will be an emotional night and Manchester United fans are great with explayers, so I am sure they will give George a great send off," continued Robson.

"I think that everyone in country has seen different types of clips of him on different channels and people realise what a fantastic player he was.

"I didn't really keep in touch with George but when I first joined Manchester United he guested for few teams in testimonials and I saw him quiet a lot in those days.

"He was a good friend of mine and a fantastic player as well. I am a good friend of Paddy Crerand and Denis Law and they are probably the two who kept in touch with George all the time.

"I used to see George in a Spanish restaurant he used a lot in Manchester I think a monument to him at Old Trafford would be a good idea.

"At a stadium the size of Old Trafford and where George Best is a legend right in the top bracket, I don't see why they can't be a few statues like that around the stadium

"It will be very emotional before the game, but as soon as the game kicks off, you are doing your job and have to do it to the best of your ability.

"I am looking for my players to rise to the challenge of playing against Manchester United as there is a great tradition between the two clubs in cup competitions."