We have reached the semi-final stage of the 2019/20 League Cup, known as the Carabao Cup for sponsorship reasons. We could not have asked for a more exciting tie than that between Manchester United and Manchester City. The first leg of this semi-final will take place on the 7th of January at Old Trafford.
Pressure is once again beginning to mount on Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils produced a disappointing display in the 2-0 loss at Arsenal in the Premier League on New Year's Day and followed that with a 0-0 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup on the weekend. Perhaps the most alarming statistic to come from the FA Cup match was the fact Manchester United failed to have a shot on target.
Manchester United have played 3 matches to reach this stage of the League Cup and started with a 1-1 draw at home against Rochdale and needed penalties to come through. They then defeated Chelsea 2-1 away from home which was a very good result and followed that with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Colchester.
Trends show Manchester United are undefeated in their last 13 home games in all competitions. While scoring goals has not been a problem, Manchester United have kept just 2 clean sheets in their last 7 home matches.
Manchester City make the short trip to Old Trafford having defeated Port Vale 4-1 at home in the FA Cup on the weekend. That result means Manchester City have won each of their last 3 games in all competitions including wins at home over Sheffield United and Everton in the Premier League. However, wins have not always been easy for Manchester City to pick up away from home inn recent matches.
They have won 4 of their last 8 away games in all competitions but have tasted defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool in the Premier League plus been held to draws at Atalanta in the Champions League and Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Manchester City have no problem scoring goals in away matches and have scored 2 or more goals in each of their last 6 away games. You must go back to the Champions League defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last season to find the last time they failed to score a goal in an away match.
Looking ahead to the team news and Manchester United have doubts over the fitness of Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard. Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay are definitely out but Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are back in training.
Manchester City are still without the injured duo of Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane. However, Pep Guardiola has most of his other first team players available and it will depend on which need a rest following the festive period.
This trophy represents possibly the best chance Manchester United have of winning something this season. The Red Devils defeated Manchester City away from home in the Premier League this season and seem to be able to raise their game for the big matches. Nonetheless, Manchester City have what it takes to score in this game and we could see the match end level with both teams finding the back of the net.
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