Last time round, the Red Devils came out victorious – beating the Citizens 2-1 and all but ending City's chances of retaining their Premier League crown.
However, Manchester United’s journey in the Carabao Cup hasn’t exactly been plain sailing – with the team only managing to beat League One side Rochdale on penalties in the third round of the competition, before knocking out Chelsea in the following stage. During the quarter-finals, the Red Devils managed to beat Colchester 3-0, but rather underwhelmed in the game.
Here is how we at 90min think Man Utd will line up on Tuesday night:
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David De Gea (GK) – Despite Sergio Romero receiving the nod in previous Carabao Cup fixtures, as well as securing a clean sheet in Manchester United’s recent FA Cup tie with Wolves, expect David De Gea to return between the sticks come Tuesday. Ole will be hoping to start his stronger keeper against the Citizens, with a place in the Carabao Cup final up for grabs.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – Wan-Bissaka has become the preferred option at right-back in recent times and will be expected to start against Manchester City. The Englishman has shown his potential and it would be a shock to see the Manchester United boss pick Ashley Young over the youngster for this important clash.
Victor Lindelof (CB) – Another one expected to make the cut is centre-back Victor Lindelof. The Swedish international is a regular starter for the Red Devils and they will once again need his services for their upcoming fixture.
Harry Maguire (CB) – Since joining the side from Leicester City this summer for a record free of £80m, the Englishman has unsurprisingly become a regular for Manchester United’s backline. Although the 26-year-old has previously been rested for cup fixtures, a semi-final against Manchester City means the centre-back is likely to play.
Brandon Williams (LB) – With Luke Shaw a doubt and Williams recently excelling during his time in the first team, the youngster should get his name on the team sheet for the upcoming fixture. The 19-year-old impressed during Manchester United’s goalless draw with Wolves on Saturday and fans will be keen to see him start against Manchester City.
Midfielders
Nemanja Matic (DM) – One of the more difficult areas to predict will be Ole’s midfield. However, based on experience, Matic might just start. The Manchester United boss is expected to start a few youngsters on Tuesday so having a mix of both youth and experience may be wise.
Fred (CM) – Fred will be hopeful to make his way back into the team, after missing out on Manchester United’s recent FA Cup tie with Wolves, with Scott McTominay still out injured. As previously mentioned, the Red Devils boss is likely to start a stronger team for the Carabao Cup semi-final, meaning the 26-year-old is one of the more likely candidates to start.
Jesse Lingard (CAM) – Despite Lingard receiving a lot of criticism in recent times, expect the 27-year-old to start in Manchester United’s upcoming game. The Englishman missed out on the most recent fixture due to illness but should be ready for this match.
Forwards
Mason Greenwood (RW) – The youngster who is making his way up through the ranks should also start in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The 18-year-old who has been making a name for himself in Europe, as well as starting in the third round of the FA Cup against Wolves, and could prove vital against the Citizens.
Marcus Rashford (LW) – A no-brainer. The 22-year-old has been taking the Premier League by storm this campaign, securing 12 goals in 21 matches as well as nabbing four assists. If the Red Devils have any chance of getting past Pep Guardiola, they will need this man on the pitch.
Anthony Martial (ST) – The striker also missed out on the Wolves game due to illness but is expected to return for the Manchester City match. The forward has often enjoyed playing alongside Rashford and the pairing are expected to start together once again.
Source : 90min