The rivals clash at Old Trafford for the second time this season on Wednesday evening.
Manchester City’s Leroy Sane in action with Manchester United’s Daley Blind
Having been on the receiving end of a humiliating defeat on his return to Chelsea on Sunday, perhaps the last thing Jose Mourinho would want on the horizon is a match against his old foe Pep Guardiola.
That is exactly what he faces on Wednesday evening, however, with City looking for a second win at Old Trafford in the space of just over a month after their 2-1 Premier League victory in September.
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford in action with Manchester City’s Bacary Sagna
Both of these sides are stumbling rather than cruising into the latest Manchester derby; United lie in seventh in the Premier League while City are without a win in five matches in all competitions.
The Key Battle – Chris Smalling vs Kelechi Iheanacho
Smalling had a nightmare at Stamford Bridge at the weekend and was arguably culpable for all four Chelsea goals, so the England international desperately needs to improve.
Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho scores their second goal
The prolific Iheanacho should get a start and will be aiming to build on his four goals this season, one of which came at Old Trafford in September’s clash.
Last Meeting:
City’s aforementioned 2-1 win at Old Trafford in September was the most recent meeting of these two rivals, with the last League Cup battle between the two coming in the 2009/10 semi-finals.
It was a typically dramatic two-legged affair, with Wayne Rooney scoring in the last minute of the second leg at Old Trafford to secure a 4-3 aggregate win for United which sent them to Wembley.
Recent form (all competitions) – most recent last:
Manchester United – WWDDWL
Manchester City – WDLDLD
Who’s the ref?
Mike Dean is the man in the middle at Old Trafford.
Manchester City’s Fernandinho and team mates speak to referee Mike Dean
The experienced whistler has taken charge of eight matches so far this season, showing 34 yellow cards and one red in the process.
What time is kick off?
The game at Old Trafford begins at 8pm.
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports 1 is the place to catch the Manchester derby, with the build-up starting at 7.30pm.
Odds
Manchester United – 6/4
Draw – 23/10
Manchester City – 9/5
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