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Manchester United (+1)
Pundits may have been a bit quick to heap praise on Manchester City following their emphatic win at Chelsea on Sunday. Their performance at Stamford Bridge was very impressive, but it was one of the first eye-catching performances that City have put in all season.
Otherwise, Pep Guardiola’s side have been distinctly average and it is too early to judge whether they have turned the corner. After all, they stuttered to wins over Southampton and Newcastle prior to that Chelsea game, while they were abject in their previous draws with United and West Brom.
Wednesday 7.45pm: Manchester United v Manchester City
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football
For their part, United head into this League Cup semi-final as firm underdogs, but they can be justifiably confident of making up for last season’s semi-final defeat to their nearest rivals. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are unbeaten in their last ten league games, winning eight of them, and are yet to concede a goal in this season’s League Cup.
They have also lost just one of their last five meetings with City and haven’t conceded against them in either of their last two home games. United are also two days fresher, having last played on Friday, and should have more energy than their noisy neighbours at the very least. They are more than capable of at least taking this one to extra time and Manchester United (+1) on the handicap is well worth backing.
Both Teams To Score
December’s derby may have ended in a drab 0-0 draw, but Wednesday’s semi-final should be more exciting. A 0-0 draw in the Manchester derby is a pretty rare occurrence – there have only been three in the past 10 years – and Manchester United’s defence is rarely reliable enough to keep a clean sheet.
United have conceded in eight of their 10 league wins this season, only shutting out the opposition in instantly forgettable games against West Brom, City, Chelsea and Wolves. City have struggled for goals this year but looked far more fluid against Chelsea and will be confident of breaching a United defence that offers several gilt-edged opportunities against almost every attack it comes up against.
At the other end, City have been far more solid than they have ever been under Guardiola, but it is difficult to back against United scoring due to the sheer number of match-winners they possess. Both Teams To Score is a good inclusion in this insured Bet Builder.
Bruno Fernandes to Score Anytime
It’s not an exaggeration to say that United are where they are in the league table thanks to Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder has utterly transformed the Red Devils since arriving at the end of January last year, almost single-handedly dragging them into a title race.
Fernandes has scored 15 goals for United in all competitions this season, a remarkable tally for a midfielder, and is almost certain to start on Wednesday due to the magnitude of the game. With United’s penchant for winning penalties, there is every chance that the Portuguese will increase his remarkable tally against City with Fernandes Scoring Anytime. He’s pretty good from open play too, mind.
Raheem Sterling to have 2 or more shots on target
Raheem Sterling must be wondering whether he’ll ever score a goal against Manchester United. The City forward has faced United 21 times in his career and has never managed to score a goal.
It is not for lack of trying. Sterling has missed several glorious opportunities against United – most notably in the second leg of last season’s semi-final – and seems to pass up more than one chance in every game against the Red Devils.
Considering City almost always create more chances than their opponents, it is within reason that Sterling will manage to pepper the United goal with at least two shots. He will only hope that one of them finds the back of the net lest his embarrassing run against United is to continue.
Bet Builder for Man Utd v Man City
Manchester United (+1)
Both teams to score
Bruno Fernandes to score anytime
Raheem Sterling to have two or more shots on target
These four selections in a Bet Builder will give you odds of around 14/1 with Paddy Power.
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*All odds in copy correct at time of publication but are subject to change. The odds are always bang on with our clever live betting banners.
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