Manchester City V Manchester United: League Cup Semi Final Match Preview And Predicted XI

Manchester City V Manchester United: League Cup Semi Final Match Preview And Predicted XI

Manchester City head into the second leg of the League Cup semi-final tie against Manchester United safe in the knowledge that they have a comfortable cushion after the first leg 3-1 victory at Old Trafford where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were completely outclassed as City used a 4-4-2 formation to great effect leaving United with few answers.

City did not start either Gabriel Jesus or Sergio Aguero and had Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva as the players furthest forward. United had no answers and were 3 goals down by half-time. It was not until City took their foot of the accelerator that United had any meaningful possession and the memories of United’s 2-1 win at the Etihad were clearly put aside.

Of course, in football, anything can happen, and manager Pep Guardiola will be mindful of the league game at the Etihad last month when his side found themselves 2-0 down against the Red Devils after just 30 minutes. He will not want a repeat of that next Wednesday.


City though, are firm favourites to progress to the final, and you may want to check out these football bets to find the best value odds for the cup clash. The Citizens should be confident of getting the result required.

The return of Aymeric Laporte against Sheffield United means Guardiola has an almost fully fit squad to choose from. Benjamin Mendy and the supposed Arsenal target John Stones could be doubts due to muscular problems, while Leroy Sane is still on the comeback trail after a serious knee injury from the Community Shield.

Manchester City’s Predicted XI To Face Manchester United:

Ederson, Cancelo, Fernandinho, Laporte, Angelino, De Bruyne, Rodri, David Silva, Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling

United’s injury problems are well documented. Marcus Rashford is out for at least three months with a back injury, while the likes of Paul Pogba (ankle), Scott McTominay (knee), Marcos Rojo (muscular) and Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring) are all still sidelined. Whether United try to acquire a striker in the January window remains to be seen but Rashford is going to be a huge miss and it seems unlikely that Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial will be able to fill in adequately for the crocked England international.

Manchester United’s Predicted XI:

De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Fred, Pereira, Matic, Mata, Martial, James

Predicted Score – 2-1 to City