Carabao Cup betting tips: Manchester City backed to beat Man United in semi-final
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All eyes turn to Old Trafford tonight for what is expected to be a highly charged Manchester derby in the Carabao Cup with a spot in the showpiece final at Wembley up for grabs.
Both sides are in a rich vein of form and will be hoping to continue their hot steak with victory over their city neighbours. But as is often the case, form goes out the window when it comes to a local derby.
The red half and blue half of Manchester met at the same stage of the tournament last season and there will be plenty on the line as the five-time winners aim to halt the current holders and seven-time champions in their path.
One team already in the Carabao Cup final is Tottenham. The north Londoners beat Brentford in their semi-final last night and await the winner of tonight’s clash at Old Trafford in a Wembley showdown in April.
You can watch the action unfold at 19:45pm on Sky Sports and we’ve got all the latest match odds, team news and more to get you in the mood before kick-off….
Match Odds
The Red Devils have fine pedigree in the Carabao Cup, with this match being their sixteenth semi-final appearance. Despite this, they are 13/10 to qualify and 12/5 outsiders to win over 90 minutes.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have progressed from nine of their previous fifteen semi-finals, but have been knocked out in two of their last three, including last season to the Citizens.
City are bidding to lift the Carabao Cup for a fourth time in a row and will kick-off at Old Trafford as 21/20 favourites.
If the game is level at full-time, there will be thirty minutes of extra-time before a penalty shootout if needed. The two sides played out a goalless draw when they played in the Premier League last month. A draw tonight is 5/2 with each side 14/1 to win the match on penalties.
City remain the favourites to lift the outright 6/5 favourites to lift the trophy with Man United 7/2 to bring Carabao Cup silverware back to Old Trafford in April.
Talking tactics
For United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no fresh injury concerns, which means Victor Lindelof could return from a back injury to push for a starting spot alongside Eric Bailly or Harry Maguire at centre-back. Edinson Cavani will miss out through suspension.
For the visitors, Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus could be back for City after completing a period of self-isolation following positive Covid-19 tests. However, Ferran Torres, Ederson, Tommy Doyle and Eric Garcia are all still out for the reigning champions.
In defence, Aymeric Laporte missed Sunday’s win over Chelsea with a hamstring injury, he remains a doubt alongside Nathan Ake. John Stones is expected to retain his place at the heart of the back four.
Phil Foden will be pushing for a start after scoring at Stamford Bridge last time out. The starlet has had a direct hand in nine goals from his last twelve League Cup appearances for City.
Both sides will be likely to field attacking line-ups considering it is a one-legged affair and their current run of form. Both have FA Cup matches against Championship opposition next and will likely prioritise this clash when it comes to fielding their strongest teams.
Goalscorer Odds
For the hosts, Bruno Fernandes will carry a goalscoring threat, not to mention his penalty-taking prowess. The Portuguese star is 5/1 to score first at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial is 5/2 to score anytime with Marcus Rashford 13/5 to find the net during 90 minutes.
Sergio Aguero is 7/5 to score anytime for Manchester City with Gabriel Jesus 17/10 to find the net anytime in the semi-final. Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling are both 5/1 to score the first goal in the match.
Match info
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
When: 19:45pm, Wednesday 6th January
How to watch: Sky Sports Football
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
