Man City take on Manchester United in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final and the Citizens are without a doubt, the favourites going into this match.
The blue half of Manchester managed to win the first leg 3-1 as Pep Guardiola pulled off a managerial masterclass to outwit Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
While Man City are the frontrunners to move into the finals of the EFL Cup but that one goal from Marcus Rashford means the Red Devils are still in with a fighting chance on Wednesday.
But having said that though, playing at home, Man City have been a force to be reckoned with and we do not expect them to drop a two-goal advantage especially in a Manchester Derby.
Man City team news vs Man United:
Claudio Bravo is expected to start in goal as Guardiola looks to rest Ederson in midweek given that Man City take on the likes of Spurs and Leicester in the coming few weeks.
Aymeric Laporte has returned back to full fitness but we don’t think the player will be rushed into the first XI during a Manchester Derby.
This means John Stones will once again start in central defence alongside Fernandinho despite the England international receiving a lot of stick due to his recent poor performances.
Joao Cancelo is recovering from an ankle injury and we do not expect Guardiola to use him during the derby meaning Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy will play as the full-backs while Rodri starts in defensive midfield.
Kevin De Bruyne has been a class act for Man City this season as well so his selection for such a crunch game is a no-brainer alongside with what looks to be David Silva.
Raheem Sterling started on the bench for Man City’s win over Fulham in the FA Cup this weekend but the England international will reprise his role on the left-flank on Wednesday.
The Man City manager is currently sweating over the injury to Riyad Mahrez and we think, Guardiola will opt for Bernardo Silva on the right flank instead.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Aguero have been in fine form for Man City during the past couple of weeks so the manager has a tough call to make in terms of who gets to start upfront on derby day.
And as far as we understand, the manager will try and use all the experience he has in order to kill the game off early which is why he should opt for the Argentine.
Man City’s predicted XI vs Man United:
Starting XI:Â Claudio Bravo; Stones, Ferandinho, Mendy, Kyle Walker; Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva; Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Aguero.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
