Man United vs Man City – Preview, Predicted XI & Prediction

Man United vs Man City – Preview, Predicted XI & Prediction

Manchester United will face Manchester City on Wednesday night in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. The winner will claim a spot in the quarter finals, but when it’s the Manchester derby it means much more than that to win.

As far as both sides are concerned, form is an issue in their recent games. City are without a win in their last 5 games, and United can’t seem to win in the league either. However, City sit top of the Premier League and United are far from challenging for top spot yet. Perhaps the lack of goals from United is a factor and it may be time for Mata and Mkhitaryan to get their scoring boots on.

Manchester City won 2-1 when the two sides met earlier in the season, a result which seemed to act as a catalyst in Manchester United’s dip in form. Since that game United’s fortunes have declined massively, and huge questions are being asked about many squad members and Mourinho himself.


As far as the EFL Cup is concerned, both managers won’t lose too much sleep if their side loses in the game – but to go on a cup run will never be something to turn your nose up at, and with Mourinho’s poor fortunes of late it is understandable that his United team is the side most in need of a result. Especially as City have already come to Old Trafford and left victorious.

Liverpool and Spurs both fielded weakened sides in their clash on Tuesday night, with the Red’s making 11 changes, and Spurs making 10. But it is unlikely the two Manchester sides will be too drastic when making changes to the team.

There’s no real team news to give an indication of a line-up from either side, but United will definitely be without defender Eric Bailly, and City’s Kevin De Bruyne is a big doubt for the game.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan‘s United career seemed to slump after his dire performance against City, with Mourinho opting not to start him. Many will hope to see him resurrect his season in the cup, but it is also highly likely that the wings will be occupied by Memphis and Martial.

Here’s how we think United will line-up against Manchester City for the game:

De Gea

Valencia – Smalling – Blind – Shaw

Herrera – Pogba – Carrick

Mkhitaryan – Ibrahimovic – Martial

Score Prediction: 1-1. (United win AET on penalties!!)