Manchester United will play hosts to Manchester City on Wednesday night hoping to pick a win which would book their place in the Carabao Cup finals staged at Wembley Stadium.
The Red Devils will come into the game on the back of an impressive 2-1 victory over Dean Smith’s men last week, whereas the Citizens thrashed Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Hence, both the Manchester sides will head into the highly-anticipated contest full of confidence, looking to build on their momentum after an underwhelming start to the season.
Let’s take a look at how things are shaping up ahead of the midweek clash.
Team News
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hasn’t reported any fresh injuries from the league win over Aston Villa. However, Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani will serve the second of his three-match ban. Victor Lindelof has been named in the provisional squad as he seems to have recovered from the back problem.
On the other hand, Pep Guardiola’s City have been hit hard by coronavirus as numerous key players are either sick or self-isolating. Ederson Moraes, Kyle Walker, Eric Garcia, Gabriel Jesus, Tommy Doyle, and Ferran Torres were left out of Manchester City’s trip to Stamford Bridge. On the injury front, centre-backs Nathan Ake (lack of fitness) and Aymeric Laporte (minor hamstring) remain as concerns ahead of the highly-anticipated Manchester Derby.
Tactical Preview And Key Men
Manchester United form (across all competitions): W-W-D-W-W
Manchester City form (across all competitions): D-W-W-W-W
The local rivals played out a tight 0-0 draw the last time they faced off each other as both the sides were rather focused on the defensive aspect of their game. However, with the Carabao Cup at stake, the contest certainly promises more fireworks this time around.
Judging from their respective styles of play, Pep Guardiola will instruct his side to keep possession of the ball and keep it moving via quick and short passes whereas Solskjaer will put his faith in repetitive counter-attacks over the course of 90 minutes. Well, it’ll be fair to say that the latter’s game plan has been working more successfully in the recent times as United are averaging 2.33 goals per league game since the defeat to RB Leipzig in UEFA Champions League. To put it into perspective, the Citizens have averaged 1.4 goals per league game over the same period (with one less game played).
With City running out options in the strikers’ department, Kevin De Bruyne could be seen in the unconventional centre-forward position yet again. The Belgian mastermind ran the show against Frank Lampard’s men last weekend as he got himself a goal and an assist. Rodri often goes under the radar despite his stellar performances week in week out. The Spanish international helps his team at both ends of the pitch; however, the upcoming away game will be a test of his skills as he’ll be up against the likes of Rashford, Fernandes, and Martial. Flipping over to the defensive side of the game, summer signing Ruben Dias has been a rock at the back for the visitors whereas Eric Bailly has played an instrumental role for the home side since his return from injury.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United possible starting XI:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred, Pogba; Fernandes; Martial, Rashford
Manchester City possible starting XI:
Steffen; Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Mendy; Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Foden; Aguero
Our Prediction
Manchester United 1-1 Manchester City. (Manchester United to win on penalties)
