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      Manchester derby verdict: Phil Foden too good for Man Utd and should be central to England’s Euro 2020 plans

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      PHIL FODEN was the only man who seemed surprised when his classy first half finish was ruled out for offside, after he sprinted clear of the United defence to latch onto Oleksandr Zinchenko’s through ball.
      He was clearly offside, but Foden was allowed to complete his fifty yard run and fire the ball through Dean Henderson’s leg before the flag finally went up.

      Phil Foden impressed for Manchester City again as they beat rivals UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Foden was entitled to wonder how he had been denied – after all, it is not often things do not fall perfectly for the City starlet when he is in Carabao Cup action.
      His brilliant cup final display in last year’s Wembley win over Aston Villa persuaded plenty of people that there might actually be life after David Silva for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      And he set City on their way to a fourth successive final in this competition by netting the winner when his team began their cup defence with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bournemouth back in September.
      Another goal and an assist in the 4-1 quarter-final romp at Arsenal confirmed his liking for this competition – although he proved he is anything but a ‘one trick pony’ with another dazzling performance in the 3-1 win at Chelsea on Sunday.

      Foden, 20, was a constant threat down the City left again last night, despite being up against another man in top form in United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      The City player’s efforts drew an admiring reaction from BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Dion Dublin, who feels he has an old head on young shoulders.
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      Dublin explained: “Phil Foden looks so comfortable on the ball and always looks like he’s got more time than he has.

      “He hasn’t tried anything on the outside of Aaron Wan-Bissaka because we know that’s his strength – and Foden knows that’s his strength.
      “So, he’s just trying to pick a pass, play one-twos around Wan-Bissaka.
      Foden also provided the cross for John Stones to open the scoring last night, and you just have to hope that Dublin’s belief in his growing maturity is justified.

      Phil Foden looks so comfortable on the ball and always looks like he’s got more time than he has
      Dion Dublin

      It did not look that way back in November, of course, when Foden and Mason Greenwood were briefly axed from the England squad for breaking rhe Covid 19 regulations by inviting a couple of girls back to their hotel room in Iceland.
      He made amends by netting twice against the same opponents when he won his third cap a couple of weeks later, and his goal at Chelsea means he has now scored eight times for club and country so far this season.
      And even though his 25th minute effort was rightly chalked off last night, you sense there are plenty more goals to come in the next few months.
      Foden seems to have finally established himself as a first team regular at the Etihad, athough Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy will keep him on his toes.

      Pep Guardiola knows he has a very special talents on his hands in Phil FodenCredit: AP:Associated Press

      But the City winger clearly has the class and the confidence to make a big impact when England take over centre stage towards the end of the season.
      A hat-trick of World Cup qualifiers in six days at the end of March will be the appetiser for the delayed Euro 20 finals.
      And Foden should be in the thick of the action, just as he has been for City lately.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s 2-0 loss at home to Man City in the Carabao Cup More

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      When is EFL Carabao Cup final 2020/21, and will VAR be used in the final?

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      THE first chance for silverware this season is next up.
      Wembley Stadium plays host for the EFL Cup final, though the date is later than usual in this campaign.

      The EFL Carabao Cup final is the first of the season
      When is the EFL Cup final?

      The EFL Cup final has been moved from February 28 to the date of Sunday April 25, 2021.
      This decision was made in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.

      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.”
      Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham are in the final after they beat Brentford 2-0 in their semi-final.

      They will face either Manchester United or Manchester City in the final.
      Will VAR be used?
      VAR WILL be used in the final.
      The EFL Cup have used the Video Assistant Referee this season, but only from the semi-final stage.
      What have they said?
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on his Man Utd squad before their semi-final: “We have developed a lot in the last 12 months from last season’s EFL Cup semi-final.
      “It is not just a case of learning how to win them, it is earning the right to go all the way. But we are confident and we are in good form. There are no excuses.” More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Dean Henderson heroics keep it close vs Man City as Anthony Martial falls flat in attack

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      MANCHESTER UNITED missed out on a place in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 defeat to Man City.
      John Stones and Fernandinho scored at Old Trafford to book City’s place in a fourth consecutive Wembley showpiece, this time against Tottenham.

      Dean Henderson prevented Man Utd from being thrashed by Man CityCredit: Reuters

      It marks yet another semi-final defeat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
      But the Norwegian will now look to move clear at the top of the Premier League table instead.
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Man Utd player ratings.
      DEAN HENDERSON – 7

      Made a number of fine saves to keep United in the game and prevent the scoreline from being bigger, including a brilliant dive to deny a scorcher from Riyad Mahrez.
      But he could have done better when John Stones snuck in to fire home City’s winner and was slow to react to Fernandinho’s effort.
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      Anthony Martial was blunt in attack as United struggled for chancesCredit: AFP

      AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 6

      Recovered well after being targeted by Raheem Sterling early on.
      But couldn’t really get out of his own half to make an impact up the other end.
      VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
      Held his defensive line fairly well to keep City’s slick passers at bay.
      But looked tired as the game went on after returning from injury.
      HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
      A commanding presence, he orchestrated his fellow defenders well.
      Once or twice a bit forgetful in his pressing duties though.

      Paul Pogba lacked his magic touch against CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      LUKE SHAW – 5
      Was given a tough task against Mahrez, who constantly cut inside on his left foot.
      As a result, he found himself tucked in centrally and was often a passenger on the break.
      FRED – 5
      Tenacious as ever but lacking that extra bit of quality to get a real foothold in the middle of the park.
      Showed his frustration at times as the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden passed him by with precise passes.
      SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5
      Ran hard for his side to keep the pressure on City’s midfielders.
      But looked awkward at times in a technical battle against Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho.

      Bruno Fernandes tried to get his team up for the fight but also had sloppy momentsCredit: Reuters
      PAUL POGBA – 5
      Wasn’t able to work his usual magic as he kept getting pulled out wide.
      Looked slow at times but was always available for a team-mate’s pass.
      BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
      Clever passing and movement as he put in a typical performance as the No10.
      Was targeted constantly by Fernandinho and made sure the ref knew about it, eventually resulting in the City veteran getting a yellow card.
      MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
      Found space well between the channels to split City when going forward.
      But didn’t create too much for his team when he did get a go on the ball.

      Marcus Rashford also struggled to find a way through up topCredit: AP:Associated Press
      ANTHONY MARTIAL – 4
      Stayed very central but was always half a second off the pace.
      Couldn’t get the better of Stones or Ruben Dias, who tiki-taka’d their way around his pressing and looked blunt throughout.
      SUBS
      Mason Greenwood (for McTominay, 74′) – 5
      Came on to change shape of United’s attack but was fairly anonymous on the right flank.
      Donny van de Beek (for Fred, 87′) – N/A

      Rio Ferdinand begs Man Utd to seal Jack Grealish transfer from Aston Villa whether Paul Pogba is sold or not More

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      EFL Carabao Cup – how many substitutions are allowed in semi-final, and when can clubs make them?

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      THE EFL Cup is down to the final four this week as the competition moves into the semi-finals.
      And there’s a way teams can make an additional two substitutions from the semi-final stage.

      Teams can make a fifth sub from the EFL Cup semi-finals
      How can teams make five subs in EFL Cup semi-finals?

      EFL Cup semi-finals are one-legged this season.
      Should the match end in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time and then potentially penalties will be played.
      The EFL have said teams will be able to make FIVE subs per game for the remainder of the competition, but they have to be made in the allocated opportunity periods.
      EFL said in a statement released on Monday: “Each team is only permitted a maximum of three opportunities (excluding half time, full time and half time of extra time) to make substitutions during normal time.

      “However, if a tie goes to extra time, an additional opportunity to use a substitute(s) will also be permitted but only from the five substitutes allowed.”
      Currently in the Premier League teams can only make three substitutions per game after clubs voted against using five subs.

      Brandon Williams comes on a sub for Man Utd in the EFL Cup
      Though leading figures in the league such as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have voiced their displeasure at this.
      Liverpool manager Klopp said: “Everybody knows my opinions about it.

      “Everyone knows 10 clubs voted against it. It was not about advantages, it was only about player welfare. And they voted against it.
      “Pretty much only they voted against them in the whole world. “I don’t know which other leagues only have three subs. There must be a good reason for it, for all these leagues and clubs to vote for it.”
      What are the EFL Cup semi-finals?
      Tuesday, January 5
      Tottenham vs Brentford (7.45pm)
      Wednesday, January 6
      Man Utd vs Man City (7.45pm)
      When is the EFL Cup final?
      The EFL Cup final has been moved from February 28 to Sunday April 25, 2021.
      This decision has been made in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.
      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.” More

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      Do EFL Cup semi-finals have extra-time or penalties after 90 minutes if they finish in a draw?

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      THE Carabao Cup is back this week with two massive final-four clashes. 
      This season’s tournament is nearing it’s conclusion with just the semi finals to go, but what happens if games are all square after 90 minutes?

      Man City have won the last THREE League Cups in a rowCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Do EFL Cup ties go to extra time or straight to penalties?

      So far this season, every EFL Cup tie has gone straight to penalties after 90 minutes if a draw.
      That WON’T be the case at the semi final stage.
      If either of the final four matches end in a stalemate, 30 minutes of extra-time will be played before a penalty shootout if the match stays level.
      Replays have been scrapped for the entire tournament – and the FA Cup has even followed suit. 

      What are the EFL Cup semi fixtures?
      Tuesday, January 5

      Tottenham vs Brentford (7.45pm)
      Wednesday, January 6
      Man Utd vs Man City (7.45pm)
      When is the EFL Cup final?
      The EFL Cup final has been moved from February 28 to Sunday April 25, 2021.
      This decision has been made in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.
      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.
      “The competition is set to continue this week, with the quarter-finals to be played across Tuesday December 22 and Wednesday December 23, with all four games live on Sky Sports.” More

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      Man Utd vs Man City: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for tonight’s big EFL Cup semi-final clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED face cross-town rivals Manchester City for a place in the EFL Cup final against Tottenham.
      The Red Devils overcame Everton in the quarter-finals while City thrashed Arsenal 4-1 at the Emirates.

      Man Utd drew with Man City 0-0 when they played each other on Dec 12Credit: EPA
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      Check out today’s best football bets and odds boosts for Man Utd vs Man City
      United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for his first major trophy as a manager, while Guardiola is aiming to capture a third successive Carabao Cup.
      What time does Man Utd vs Man City kick-off?
      The derby clash is set for TONIGHT, with kick-off at 7.45pm GMT.
      The game will be played at Old Trafford.
      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      City’s visit to Old Trafford will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      The game will be available for live streaming from the Sky Go and NOW TV apps, both of which can be downloaded onto a mobile or tablet device.
      You can also catch the action on a Smart TV, so long as it carries NOW TV.

      Team news
      City remained ravaged by a Covid-19 outbreak and look set to be without Ederson, Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker, Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia.

      Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake missed the trip to Chelsea and are both likely to be out.
      And between the sticks, City have a huge problem with Edison and Scott Carson out due to Covid.
      That leaves American stopper Zack Steffen as their only fit goalkeeper.
      For United, they have a fresh squad to choose from with only Victor Lindelof a major doubt due to a back injury.

      Dean Henderson is expected to start over David De Gea, while Donny van de Beek could also feature.

      Odds
      Man Utd – 5/2
      Draw – 5/2
      Man City – 1/1
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      EFL Carabao Cup – how many substitutions are allowed in semi-final and when can clubs make them?

      by

      THE EFL Cup is down to the final four this week as the competition moves into the semi-finals.
      And there’s a way teams can make an additional two substitutions from the semi-final stage.

      Teams can make a fifth sub from the EFL Cup semi-finals
      How can teams make five subs in EFL Cup semi-finals?

      EFL Cup semi-finals are one-legged this season.
      Should the match end in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time and then potentially penalties will be played.
      The EFL have said teams will be able to make FIVE subs per game for the remainder of the competition, but they have to be made in the allocated opportunity periods.
      EFL said in a statement released on Monday: “Each team is only permitted a maximum of three opportunities (excluding half time, full time and half time of extra time) to make substitutions during normal time.

      “However, if a tie goes to extra time, an additional opportunity to use a substitute(s) will also be permitted but only from the five substitutes allowed.”
      Currently in the Premier League teams can only make three substitutions per game after clubs voted against using five subs.

      Brandon Williams comes on a sub for Man Utd in the EFL Cup
      Though leading figures in the league such as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have voiced their displeasure at this.
      Liverpool manager Klopp said: “Everybody knows my opinions about it.

      “Everyone knows 10 clubs voted against it. It was not about advantages, it was only about player welfare. And they voted against it.
      “Pretty much only they voted against them in the whole world. “I don’t know which other leagues only have three subs. There must be a good reason for it, for all these leagues and clubs to vote for it.”
      What are the EFL Cup semi-finals?
      Tuesday, January 5
      Tottenham vs Brentford (7.45pm)
      Wednesday, January 6
      Man Utd vs Man City (7.45pm)
      When is the EFL Cup final?
      The EFL Cup final has been moved from February 28 to Sunday April 25, 2021.
      This decision has been made in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.
      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.” More

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      EFL Carabao Cup VAR rules: Does League Cup use the Video Assistant Referee this season?

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      The Carabao Cup has reached the semi-finals, but will VAR be making an appearance?
      The video referee system has proved controversial in the Premier League.

      VAR has become a regular feature in English footballCredit: PA:Press Association
      Does the Carabao Cup have VAR?

      From the semi-final stage up to the final, VAR WILL be used in the Carabao Cup.
      It has not been used in rounds up to the semi-finals this season.
      VAR was used in the Carabao Cup in 2018/19 but the EFL opted to get rid of the system last season on the grounds that it was only being used at Premier League venues.
      This caused particular controversy in the FA Cup when Man City were given a controversial penalty at Swansea and no VAR was allowed to be used even though the Liberty Stadium had the system installed.

      What decisions is VAR used for?
      THE video assistant referee can be called upon for four key on-field incidents. 
      These are:
      Awarding goals
      Penalty decisions
      Red card decisions
      Cases of mistaken identity
      How does VAR work?
      THE video assistant referee will liaise with the on-pitch referee to relay information on calls.
      The video assistant referee – a top official who will be based at Stockley Park for the matches – has access to every camera angle and goal-line technology cameras.

      The VAR also has an assistant watching the game with them. More