Manc standoff in the semis
Its a Manchester derby in the Carabao Cups first semi-final leg with United hosting at Old Trafford the first time around. A derby is always a derby meaning that despite it being the Carabao Cup, expect a feisty fight full of prestige.
Manchester United
Solskjaer's boys did a good job of coming away from their FA cup outing against Wolverhampton with a draw. It was a sound choice by the Norwegian to field a youthful attack coupled with an experienced backline that could have yielded dividends against one of the Prem's hardest away fixtures.
Consistency an issue
A word that has been thrown around a lot in media regarding the Red Devil's is inconsistency, which, is absolutely spot on.
Following their bland performance and subsequent loss against Watford, United beat both Newcastle and Burnley with ease leading people to think that they might have been on their way towards putting together a solid string of results.
So wrong.
Cue Arteta and a revived Arsenal and Ole Gunnar's men got absolutely ravaged, a torrid display lacking any of the positives that could be seen in prior wins. But to be honest, the fact that it was away from home and that Arsenal's performance would have put any team to the sword (i dare say Liverpool and Manchester City included) should alleviate a little bit of the blues that follow a defeat.
The Red's strong against top opposition
We have at times seen what United are actually capable of, perfect examples being the games against Liverpool (1-1), Tottenham (1-2 win) and Tuesdays opposition in City (1-2 win).
With the backing of the home crowd along with lightning quick counterattacks the Red's can beat almost anyone on their best day. They will be hoping Tuesday is one of those days.
Manchester City
Pep and his men have been under rather a lot of pressure lately following some unsatisfactory results such as the one against Wolverhampton (3-2 defeat) and obviously the one against main rival and Tuesdays opponents Manchester United (1-2 defeat).
Disappointing, by their standards
The stats of 14 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats is obviously not what they had hoped for and is not good compared to previous seasons but it is honestly not catastrophic either. The only reason they are down in 3rd is due to the fact that Liverpool are having an absolutely outlandish season and Leicester are pushing far above their weight under a great manager.
Injury woes
Another aspect as to why they "struggle" at times is due to the injuries sustained by both Laporte and Stones leaving them with the mistake-prone Otamendi and stand in centre-half Fernandinho forming the opposite of what a dynamic duo is. This in turn leads to a weakened midfield where Fernandinho has been absolutely pivotal over the course of several years.
Always a force to be reckoned with
But, Guardiola's men are doing what Champions do, they adapt, and things have, despite it all, looked very good (their 3-1 thrashing of Leicester being the perfect example).
Expect them to be out for revenge on Tuesday.
Betting tip
United are at home and enjoy playing against sides that control the ball, City are lethal and will want revenge for last time which is why i will be backing Both teams to score at 7/10 with Betway.
