Juan Mata has rightly pointed out that Manchester United are very lucky to have a derby scheduled so close to their humiliating defeat last weekend. Not only will a win here clear much of the frustration among fans concerning the players and the manager, it will also help massively to boost the league form.
Even though both the teams don’t hold the English League Cup as their top priorities, both the managers have seen unforgettable defeats at their former clubs in the past two weeks. Hence, both would like to prove a point when they meet tonight.
This is the second Manchester derby after Pep Guardiola took the accolades a month back when City beat United 2-1 on their home ground. Both the teams are currently having a poor run of form with City unable to win a single match in their last 5 games and United managing only 1.
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Both the managers will be without crucial players for the League Cup game. Although if compared to their previous League cup games, where both the managers made numerous changes to the squad, a derby wouldn’t allow such reluctance on either part.
Manchester United- United are already without Wayne Rooney who did not take in their Premier League game against Chelsea. During the game, Marouane Fellaini and Eric Bailly were forced off owing to injury with Mourinho stating in the press conference that Bailly’s injury looked bad. Even if Mourinho gets Fellaini fit for the game, he is unlikely to field him considering they get less than 2 days to recover for their league game against Burnley.
Good news for United would be they could see Luke Shaw, Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the derby as they were omitted from the squad at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City- A huge blow for City would be the injury of Kevin De Bruyne. He had suffered a calf injury in their weekend’s draw with Southampton. Apart from the Belgian, Pablo Zabaleta should also be out with a foot injury and Bacary Sagna is down with a hamstring problem. With Guardiola likely to rotate his squad, Willy Caballero is set to play in goal.
Predicted line-up
Manchester United (4-2-3-1) – Romero; Darmian, Blind, Rojo, Mensah; Schneiderlin, Carrick; Depay, Mata, Martial; Mkhitaryan.
Manchester City (4-1-4-1) – Caballero; Maffeo, Stones, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando; Nolito, Garcia, Silva, Navas; Iheanacho
Key Players
Manchester United- Even with not many first players United have a pretty nice squad with the likes pf Memphis Depay, Mkhitaryan, Schneiderlin. With Juan Mata returning to the squad, he could be instrumental in creating chances. Mkhitaryan has been blunt in front of goal and will like to prove his mettle in this game.
Manchester City- City’s spearhead attacking trio looks deadly with Nolito, Navas and Iheanacho up front. However, Silva could also prove to be dangerous in the attacking third with his defence splitting passes.
Odds
Manchester United @ 2.60
Draw @ 3.40
Manchester City @ 2.90
