MANCHESTER UNITED face an uphill task if they are to knock neighbours Man City out of the Carabao Cup.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s out-of-form side travel to the Etihad looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit and book their spot in the final against Aston Villa.
If that wasn’t difficult enough, Solskjaer will have to do it without a number of key players who are sidelined with injury.
First-choice midfielders Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay both remain absent.
And there are serious doubts over Nemanja Matic’s availability after the Serbian picked up a knock in Sunday’s 6-0 win over Tranmere.
The defensive midfielder will undergo a late fitness test ahead of kick-off before Solskjaer decides whether to throw him in the mix.
If he remains absent, Fred and Andreas Pereira are likely to occupy United’s midfield.
Solskjaer masterminded a brilliant 2-1 win at City in December with Pep Guardiola’s side struggling to deal with their counter-attacks.
The Norweigian will opt for similar tactics in the hope it has the same effect and will likely call upon young sensation Mason Greenwood.
His pace alongside Jesse Lingard, Daniel James and Anthony Martial could cause the City defence numerous problems.
Solskjaer will be boosted by the returns of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and David De Gea in goal who were rested at the weekend.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will partner in defence and Solskjaer will have to decide whether to start Luke Shaw or youngster Brandon Williams at left-back.
Man Utd fans appear to throw fireworks at Ed Woodward’s house
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
