Manchester City welcome cross-town rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday.
The reigning Carabao Cup champions hold a 3-1 advantage going into the second leg of the semi-final. They comfortably saw off Fulham 4-0 on Sunday to book their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola fielded a much-changed team at the Etihad against Fulham but an early red card for Tim Ream opened the floodgates with two goals from Gabriel Jesus and strikes from Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva securing victory.
Guardiola used the Fulham game as an opportunity to rest Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero, so the trio is expected to return to the starting XI on Wednesday.
Joao Cancelo and Riyad Mahrez sustained knocks against Fulham and remain doubtful for the Manchester derby.
Bravo is City’s goalkeeper for cup competitions and he will certainly start against Man United.
Walker is an experienced player but he’ll have to be at his best to stop Man United on Wednesday.
Otamendi was taken off against Fulham after City’s third goal in a bid to keep the Argentinean fresh for the Manchester derby.
Fernandinho has done well in central defence since Laporte’s injury. The Brazilian should partner Otamendi in defence against Man United.
Angelino started the game against Fulham in the FA Cup but Guardiola could go with the experienced Mendy for the Manchester derby.
Rodri replaced Gundogan in the second half against Fulham but could be handed a start in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
A key component in City’s ranks, the Belgian should attempt to unlock United’s defence and help the team to a win. He would be an undoubted starter.
Silva has slowed down in the last couple of years but his quality to carve open defences remains untarnished. His contribution from the middle will be heavily relied upon.
Quick and dynamic, Sterling would be hoping to do well against United’s right-back. He’ll be fresh for the Manchester derby after being rested at the weekend.
Bernardo had scored a cracking goal to give Manchester City the lead at Old Trafford in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. He should aim to do something similar at the Etihad Stadium.
Having been rested for the FA Cup tie against Fulham, Aguero will walk back into City’s starting XI at the expense of Jesus.
