Prediction and odds for the game: Manchester City (8/13) v Manchester United (4/1)
We are taking a punt on a draw at odds of 16/5.
When: Tuesday 7th January 2020, Kick-off 8 PM
Where: Old Trafford
On Tuesday night, Manchester United and Manchester City go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Old Trafford.
Manchester United
The Red Devils recent form has been highly inconsistent in all competitions. Last time out they drew 0-0 at Wolves in the FA Cup third round. The result means that United have won just two of their last five matches in all competitions.
After proving prolific in front of goal in recent months, the Red Devils have now failed to score in three of their last five games in all competitions.
United have a pretty mixed recent record in the League Cup, as they have won just two of their last six games in normal time in the competition. However, those victories have been against Chelsea and Colchester in the last two rounds of the Carabao Cup.
The Red Devils are undefeated in their last eight home games in the League Cup in 90 minutes, having recorded seven wins and suffered one defeat in the penalty shootout against Derby last season.
United have lost their last two games against the Citizens at Old Trafford in all competitions.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s side is experiencing an inconsistent season by the high standards of recent seasons. However, a 4-1 win over Port Vale last time out in the FA Cup third round means that City has won seven of their last eight matches in all competitions. The Citizens have also been deadly in front of goal of late, scoring at least twice in their last eight outings.
Although this competition is not the team’s priority this season, the Citizens are the holders of the League Cup. The Citizens are 15 games unbeaten in the Carabao Cup, with their last defeat in the competition coming way back in 2016 when they suffered a 1-0 loss against United at Old Trafford. City have been typically prolific in the League Cup of late, as they have scored over 2.5 goals in nine of their last 12 matches in the competition.
The Citizens have won seven of their last ten League Cup games on their travels, winning the other three matches on penalty kicks.
Conclusion
Manchester City have not had it all their way in this fixture of late. United have surprised Guardiola’s team on a number of occasions in recent seasons. However, the Red Devils are so unpredictable at the minute. We are backing them to hold the reigning champions to a draw. We are also backing the over 2.5 goals at odds of over 4/6 goals scored.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 16/5 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will gain the first-leg advantage in this semi-final clash?
