Man Utd vs Man City - Carabao Cup SF preview: How to watch on TV, live stream, kick off time & team news
By Mitch Wilks
Manchester United host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening, where a win on the night is enough to reach the final.
The rules of the competition have changed ahead of this season which sees the two-legged system of the semi-final scrapped and replaced with penalties should there not be a winner after 90 minutes. City prevailed last season as United lost one of an eventual three semi finals, while the Cityzens went on to retain the cup for a third consecutive season.
United have since improved under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, and sit second in the Premier League behind Liverpool on goal difference. Home form remains an issue but the Red Devils have gone unbeaten in their last four fixtures at Old Trafford.
With both sides aware of the importance of capturing the first major trophy of the season, here's 90min's preview of the derby.
Where to Watch
When is Kick Off? Wednesday 6 January
What Time is Kick Off? 19:45 (GMT)
Where is it Played? Old Trafford
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports Main Event (UK),
Referee? Martin Atkinson
Team News
The home side are without Edinson Cavani, who sits out the first game of a three match suspension, and Victor Lindelof, who remains out with a back injury. Otherwise, United, have an almost fully fit squad to choose from.
Alex Telles was a late substitute in the victory against Aston Villa and could start against City to keep things fresh and continue to serve as competition for Luke Shaw. Elsewhere, Eric Bailly has impressed in the absence of Lindelof and has staked his claim significantly should he maintain fitness. Dean Henderson will likely also return to the starting XI.
For City, Pep Guardiola continues to fight against selection issues. Number one goalkeeper Ederson, striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Kyle Walker are all self isolating due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Eric Garcia has tested positive and will also miss out as a result.
In positive news, however, Sergio Aguero made another substitute appearance in the victory over Chelsea as he continues to recover from a recurring knee injury.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Telles; Fred, McTominay; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.
Manchester City: Steffen; Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko; Rodri, Fernandinho, Gundogan; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Sterling.
Recent Form
The Red Devils have been much improved since exiting the Champions League in December and carried their dominant form into 2021, securing a New Year's Day victory against Aston Villa.
United are now unbeaten in the league since their defeat to Arsenal on 1 November and have been clicking in attack and defence. Anthony Martial's seven goal contributions in his last six appearances have been a welcome return to form for the Frenchman, while Bruno Fernandes' penalty against Villa was his 15th goal in all competitions this season.
The Cityzens have also improved in recent weeks, however, and head to Old Trafford off the back of a convincing 3-1 victory away to Chelsea at the weekend. Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan were all on the scoresheet as City made it four wins from four.
They also dispatched of Arsenal with ease on their way to the semi-final. Foden was among the goals again, as were Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus in a 4-1 thrashing. City have proven that they can adapt when needed; they hold the best defensive record in the league this season and are capable of scoring goals even without a recognised striker playing.
Here's how each side has fared in their last five games.
Manchester United
Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa (01/01/21)
Manchester United 1-0 Wolves (29/12/20)
Leicester City 2-2 Manchester United (26/12/20)
Everton 0-2 Manchester United (23/12/20)
Manchester United 6-2 Leeds United (20/12/20)
Manchester City
Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City (03/01/21)
Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle (26/12/20)
Arsenal 1-4 Manchester City (22/12/20)
Southampton 0-1 Manchester City (19/12/20)
Manchester City 1-1 West Brom (15/12/20)
Prediction
While both sides were rather happy with the goalless draw in the league derby in December, there's no room for a stalemate in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.
And with the new rule changes, neither side will particularly fancy having to go through extra time and even penalties given the never-ending fixture schedule.
Nobody knows the Carabao Cup like Guardiola's side does. It's their prized possession these days and a win could be huge in inspiring the side to push up the league table once more. United, though, know they cannot afford to lose another semi-final and haven't won a trophy since 2017.
In a mightily close game, the Red Devils will just prevail.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City