Early Team News & Predictions for Man United and Man City Carabao Cup games
Early Team News & Predictions for Man United and Man City Carabao Cup games
Following one month of World Cup action, the return of club football is just around the corner and both Manchester clubs will feature in the restart.
While the Carabao Cup does not feature high on the list of priorities for United or City, both clubs will be eager to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Fans will be clamouring to find reliable live soccer streams to watch the matches following the enforced break due to the World Cup in Qatar.
United are first on the agenda as they host Burnley on Wednesday, while City go head-to-head with Liverpool the following day.
Due to the proximity of the games to the conclusion of the World Cup, the respective managers will likely field much-changed line-ups from their usual starting XIs.
With that in mind, we take a look at the latest United and City team news before offering our predictions on how they will fare next week.
Manchester United team news
Martin Dubravka was in goal in the previous round of the competition against Aston Villa and David De Gea may be held back for the resumption of the Premier League.
With Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane set to play in the World Cup final, neither centre-back is likely to figure against the Clarets at Turf Moor.
Harry Maguire could start after helping England reach the quarter-finals in Qatar, while Victor Lindelof will probably partner him after featuring in United’s friendlies in Spain.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka may get a rare start at right-back and Tyrell Malacia should get the nod over Luke Shaw on the opposite flank.
Eriksen recently returned to training at Carrington and looks set to start the game, while Scott McTominay and Fred are good bets to partner him in midfield.
Donny van de Beek was pulled out of the squad before the friendly in Spain against Real Betis and it would be a surprise to see him return for the Burnley game.
United’s forward line will likely be a mix of youth and experience, particularly with the hectic schedule of festive fixtures on the horizon.
Anthony Martial may lead the line, while Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri could be given the opportunity to shine on the flanks.
Manchester City team news
City were back in Manchester earlier this week for the first time since their training camp in Abu Dhabi to step up their preparations for the Liverpool game.
Only Julian Alvarez remains at the World Cup in Qatar and he looks guaranteed to miss out against the Reds after helping Argentina reach the final.
Ederson will be available for selection after Brazil's elimination in the quarter-finals, but Stefan Ortega is City's goalkeeper in the Carabao Cup and is expected to start.
Rico Lewis and Sergio Gomez are fancied to fill the full-back roles, while Aymeric Laporte could partner Manuel Akanji at centre-back.
Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne both suffered group stage exits at the World Cup, so may well feature in midfield against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Rodri could complete the trio, although Kalvin Phillips may be in contention after seeing little game time with England in Qatar.
Erling Braut Haaland will be raring to go after missing the World Cup with Norway and is fully expected to spearhead City’s attack.
Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish are likely to be on the flanks, although Cole Palmer could come into contention if Pep Guardiola opts for a tweak in formation.
Man United & Man City – Carabao Cup predictions
United undoubtedly have the easier task against Burnley, although they would be well advised not to underestimate the threat posed by the Championship outfit.
The Clarets are on course to make an immediate return to the Premier League and will be keen to test their top flight credentials against United.
However, manager Erik ten Hag will view the Carabao Cup as a winnable competition and the Red Devils are fancied to progress to the last eight.
City face a tough test having sent a strong contingent of players to the World Cup, but home advantage should give them the edge over Liverpool.
Predictions: Man United 3-1 Burnley, Man City 2-0 Liverpool.
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