The first leg of semi-finals of the Carabao Cup places local neighbours Manchester United and Manchester City against each other which is to be played at the theater of Dreams.
The Premier League Champions go into the semi-finals with a hope of winning their third consecutive Carabao Cup title. While Ole Gunnar’s side, on the other hand, will want to dethrone the champions and win themselves a chance to clinch a silverware.
The New Year has not been lovely to the Red Devils who are yet to score a goal in 2020. In the two games that they have played this year, one resulted in a loss to Arsenal with other ending a draw against Wolves.
When and Where:
Date: Wednesday, 8 January
Time: 1: 26 am IST
Venue: Old Trafford
Team News
Manchester United still have a lengthy list of injuries, the major of them being Paul Pogba who has injured himself badly after making a short return.
Solskjaer will further have a selection head ache with Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Luke Shaw all doubtful and mostly unavailable.
The onus will surely fall on Rashford and Fred to keep the team forward as Scott Mctominay too will not feature in the game. The position between the sticks will be met by Sergio Romero after a consistent weekend outing.
For the visitors, Sergio Aguero’s return is a great boost and the beast will surely want to play against his biggest rival. The Argentine will be accompanied by Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling up front.
We can also expect Ederson to retain his preferred position with the youngster Eric Garcia getting a nod after a successful Premier League outing.
Predicted Line-Up
Man Utd possible starting lineup:
Romero; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Jones, Williams; Fred, Matic; Greenwood, Lingard, Rashford; Martial
Man City possible starting lineup:
Bravo; Cancelo, Garcia, Fernandinho, Zinchenko; Foden, Rodri, De Bruyne; Bernardo, Jesus, Sterling
Our Prediction
Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
We can expect turn around of events from the last Premier League fixture in December where the Red Devils won the game 2-1. The winners from last game have a plague of injury and will step in with an incomplete team.
The Champions would want to avenge their defeat from last game and would definitely go all guns blazing.
God bless United!
