Manchester Derby in the EFL Cup: Who Will Win?

Both Manchester sides have had different starts to the year 2021. But both sides are about to lock horns in the first Manchester derby of the year.

And this clash will be in the EFL Cup.

For the Red Devils, they won their first game of the year, a win over Aston Villa. That win extended their unbeaten run to seven games, in all competitions. The Red Devils are currently enjoying a fine streak of form.

The same cannot be said about their cross-town rivals, Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side has been rocked by the COVID-19 virus. Their last game of the year, which was supposed to be against Everton, was postponed. Their EFL Cup commitment, against Manchester City, is their second game of the year.

But the game is likely to miss some key players who are rumored to have contracted the virus.

While Manchester United have played three games, Manchester City, during the same period, have played only once. Match fitness may play a considerable part in determining the winner of this derby.

Being a cup game, the chances of having a surprise result is another factor that makes this game one to look out for.

Another factor is the goals.

Manchester United have scored seven goals in the last four games. Two of those four games ended with both sides scoring.

Man. City’s clean sheets may be another factor that will determine the outcome of this game too. The Citizens have kept a clean sheet in four of their last six games, shutting out their opponents.

But their first-choice goalkeeper will most likely sitting this one out.

Ole has proved to be a difficult opponent for Pep Guardiola to defeat in recent times. And that trend may continue in this EFL Cup. Both managers have faced off six times in the past.

The Man. Utd manager has won three of those games, with just one ending in a draw.

In the other EFL Cup semi-final game, Tottenham will face high-flying Brentford. And Jose Mourinho has every reason to be wary or his opponents from the English Championship.

On their way to this semi-final, Thomas Frank’s side have eliminated three Premier League sides: Southampton, Fulham, and Newcastle.

Both games will feature superstars who will be fighting for a chance to play the final inside the Wembley Stadium. Which two teams will make it through?

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