Prediction & odds for the game: Manchester United (13/5) v Manchester City (19/20) – ST is backing the away win

When: Wednesday, 6th January @ 7.45pm K.O

Where: Old Trafford

Manchester United and Manchester City will meet this week as they prepare to battle it out for a place in the 2021 Carabao Cup Final.

Manchester United

Many critics still believe to this day that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn’t the right man for the job at Old Trafford, but as time goes on, the Norwegian is slowly but surely growing into the role – with the help of his superstar squad, of course. They’re even being tipped for a run at the Premier League title this season and while that may seem a little bit “out there” given the struggles they’ve had, it’d be foolish to count out a club like Manchester United.

The 2-2 draw against Leicester on Boxing Day was more of a respectful war than a slip-up, because outside of that, the Red Devils simply cannot stop winning. They beat Everton 2-0 in their Carabao Cup quarter-final, they torched Leeds 6-2 a few days prior, and they’ve edged out dramatic wins over Sheffield United, Wolves and Aston Villa within the last few weeks.

Manchester City

Manchester City have won the Carabao Cup for the last three years and have lifted the trophy five times in the last seven years, well and truly cementing their dominance in the competition. In addition to serving as a nice piece of silverware, it also allows Pep Guardiola to send a message to the rest of English football that City’s demise isn’t exactly imminent. They’re still powerhouses in their own right and they’ll hope to prove that in the derby on Wednesday.

The draws against Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion put Manchester City’s scoring problem into perspective, and the same was true of their narrow 1-0 win over Southampton. However, in the last few weeks, they’ve managed to improve their fortunes with nine goals in three wins over Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea.

Conclusion

Manchester United may be on a fantastic run of form right now but this is City’s competition and it has been for a good few years. They know what kind of confidence boost it can be to pick up a piece of silverware before the rest of the league gets a chance to do so, and while the final may have been pushed back until April, we still think they’re going to give it everything they’ve got in the name of reaching Wembley once again.

Our official scoreline prediction is going to be 2-0 Manchester City, ensuring that we stick with the under 2.5 goals market.

Verdict: Back the away win at odds of 19/20 and the under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 11/10 (All odds are taken from bet365).

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If you want to bet on Manchester United vs Manchester City then head on over to the betting page. Alternatively, you can check out some of the other available fixtures at the soccer predictions page as we near the conclusion of this season’s Carabao Cup.