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      Man City without SIX first-team stars for Man Utd Carabao Cup semi-final clash after coronavirus problems

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      MAN CITY will be missing SIX first-team players for this week’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United.
      Pep Guardiola will be missing a number of key players after Covid problems in his Etihad camp.

      Pep Guardiola will be without SIX players for the Manchester derby semi-finalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus both tested positive before ChristmasCredit: PA:Press Association

      Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus were confirmed to have tested positive just before Christmas.
      Three more Man City players tested positive and missed the 3-1 win at Chelsea – although their identities have not been officially confirmed.
      Goalkeeper Ederson and striker Ferran Torres were unavailable for the game at Stamford Bridge.
      Eric Garcia became the latest City star to test positive, along with an unnamed member of coaching staff.

      City saw their Premier League clash at Everton last week postponed, but were back on the pitch at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
      And they look set to take on rivals Man Utd on Wednesday night despite a depleted squad.
      Guardiola also defended Benjamin Mendy over his recent coronavirus breach.
      The Manchester City left-back, 26, hosted a New Year’s Eve party at his house despite the Covid outbreak within the club camp.

      Mendy’s bash — three days after his side’s clash with Everton was postponed due to the bug — was attended by at least three people outside his household.

      Benjamin Mendy hosted a New Year’s Eve party and breached Covid regulationsCredit: Dave Thompson/Telegraph Media Group
      The Frenchman said he, his girlfriend, his niece and nephew — who all live with him — attended.
      But he admitted his girlfriend’s pal and her partner were also there, along with a chef.
      During the party, Mendy tweeted a ­message at 11.23pm urging people to take ­caution. It read: “Happy New Year. Take care of you and yours.”
      City said they were “disappointed to learn of the transgression and will be conducting an internal investigation” – but despite the breach, Guardiola named him on the bench for the win at Chelsea.
      Asked about his defender’s antics, the Spaniard jumped to his defence – and told his critics to look in the mirror before blasting Mendy.
      Guardiola said: “He had good intentions with the heart that he has, but he has to understand some things. He invited two or three people on New Year’s Eve, they all tested negative, but they were at his house.
      “I would like to know how many people had five or six people at home on New Year’s Eve, I’m pretty sure many.
      “Normally in society we judge the other one, it would be better if we judge ourselves.
      “I’m pretty sure Benjamin will improve on that and next time he will be more careful.”
      Guardiola added: “He broke the rules, I’m not justifying it, he cannot do it.
      “But don’t give lessons to the other ones, don’t put examples from the players for society. We all have to do what we have to do.

      “Of course it was not correct what he has done, but don’t judge him too much, if we look at what we have done New Year’s Eve, many, many people have maybe done the same.
      “It’s easy to judge others. If everyone put the demanding intentions on ourselves everyone would be better.
      “We have to follow the rules [like everybody], I’ve said this to the players many times, the virus is here, but we know that the government have to say what we have to do.”

      Man City star Benjamin Mendy broke Covid rules by hosting New Year’s Eve party and begged for ‘girls’ from London More

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      How Man Utd could line up against Man City with Paul Pogba, Marcus Greenwood and Axel Tuanzebe in Carabao Cup semi-final

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER could start Mason Greenwood for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City.
      Manchester United host their rivals in a one-legged shoot-out for a place in the Wembley final.

      Since the two teams played out a Premier League stalemate in December, the Red Devils have been on a fine run.
      Five wins in six have elevated United to second in the league with some promoting Solskjaer’s side to the rare status of ‘favourites’ for this derby meeting.
      Going into the game, the Norwegian has no major injury concerns to contend with, aside from the long-term absences of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.
      Edinson Cavani will miss the game due to a suspension for a ‘racist’ Instagram post.

      With at least eight games in January following nine last month, some rotation is expected from the United boss.
      Dean Henderson should come in between the posts with Axel Tuanzebe and Greenwood primed for a role.

      Paul Pogba may keep his spot in the midfield with Donny van de Beek, Daniel James and Juan Mata ready if called upon.
      The Spaniard remains the only player to have ever knocked Pep Guardiola out of the Carabao Cup.

      An October 2016 fourth-round derby, in which Mata scored the only goal, is the only blemish on the City boss’ perfect record in a competition he has won three years running.
      In fact, United are on a bit of a run themselves when it comes to derby days.

      Mason Greenwood is set to feature against Manchester City in the 7.45pm kick-offCredit: Guardian News & Media

      The last three meetings between these two clubs have seen City pick up only a draw, falling to two defeats without scoring.
      Ahead of the game, Solskjaer stated his hope that the Red Devils have progressed since falling to their rivals at this stage last season.
      He noted: “We are happy to be in a semi-final and of course a semi-final is a chance to go to the final.
      “Last year we were just not capable of going through. I think we’ve improved since then and we are going to give it a go.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer to hold transfer talks with Man Utd fringe stars over January plans with up to six players set to be axed More

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      Will Man City have to forfeit EFL Cup semi-final against Man Utd, and can it be re-arranged?

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      MANCHESTER CITY are in turmoil after a Covid-19 outbreak saw their Premier League clash with Everton postponed.
      The Toffees were furious that the game was abandoned so close to kick-off on Monday, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side hoping for a fifth-straight league victory.

      Guardiola’s men are due to face Chelsea and Man Utd in next 10 daysCredit: AP:Associated Press

      But with an unknown amount of City players affected, attention has now turned to their games in the next 10 days.
      Will Man City have to forfeit the game?
      On Christmas Day, City chiefs confirmed that first-team stars Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker had both tested positive.
      The side went on to play a Boxing Day game against Newcastle, winning 2-0 at the Etihad.
      But after further Covid testing over the weekend, five more positives were discovered and the club was forced to act on Monday morning ahead of the trip to Goodison.

      The club’s training ground has been shut as a precautionary measure, while players and staff have gone into self-isolation.
      As revealed by SunSport, City officials believe the virus may have swept through the team after a stay in London for the EFL Cup quarter-final at Arsenal last week.

      Walker and Jesus have both tested positive for Covid-19Credit: PA:Press Association
      And the Premier League released a statement stating: “The Board agreed to rearrange the game [vs Everton] as a precaution.”
      Pep Guardiola’s side are due to face Chelsea on Sunday, January 3 before their crunch EFL Cup semi-final with cross-town rivals United on Wednesday, January 6.

      With the team in isolation, both of these fixtures are now in doubt.
      But City will NOT have to forfeit their semi-final berth – and the match with United will be re-arranged if it can’t be played when originally scheduled.
      In the early rounds of this season’s EFL Cup – from round one to round four – clubs who could not fulfil their fixtures were forced to drop out of the competition.
      This was the case when League Two Leyton Orient suffered a Covid outbreak, resulting in a bye for Spurs.
      The EFL Cup rules state however that games AFTER the fourth round can be re-arranged to another date, so the Manchester derby will take place.

      When will it be played instead?
      As yet, there is no date for a re-arranged fixture as the original January 6 date is still pencilled in.
      With the severity of City’s outbreak still unknown, it remains to be seen if they will be forced into further postponements in the next 10 days.
      As well as City’s clash with United, Tottenham play Brentford for a place in the final at Wembley on Sunday, April 25.
      The final had originally been scheduled to take place in February, but was moved to April in the hope that more fans may be able to attend the match by that date. More

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      Man City Coronavirus outbreak means fixture chaos with Carabao Cup semi vs Man Utd and Chelsea Prem clash major doubts

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S coronavirus outbreak has sparked fixture chaos – with next week’s huge trips to Chelsea and neighbours Manchester United in doubt.
      Monday night’s clash at Everton was called off four hours before kick-off as more positive tests for City followed those of Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker and two staff members.

      Etihad chief Pep Guardiola knows massive games against Chelsea and Man Utd next week will surely have to be rearranged due to a Covid-19 outbreakCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Man City face fixture problems after Monday’s clash at Everton was postponedCredit: PA:Press Association

      Pep Guardiola’s men are due to visit Chelsea in the Premier League next Sunday and United in the Carabao Cup semi-finals three days later.
      But City’s training ground is closing for an “indeterminate period” as clubs chiefs cite “a risk the virus could spread” and the “security of the bubble compromised”.
      Football bosses now face a headache amid concerns over the rising second wave of Covid-19 as City’s next two games seem certain to need rearranging.
      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was unsure what City’s positive tests would mean for their impending clash.

      He said: “It’s something we’ll discuss given we’ve got them at the weekend and see what the position is.
      “I’m not absolutely clear on the rules in terms of Covid cases and how many [to call the game off] and what happens so it’s something I’ll have to pick up with our medical team and the Premier League.”
      League Two Leyton Orient had to forfeit a Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham early this season due to a Covid-19 outbreak – but it is understood competition rules allow new dates to be fixed beyond the fourth-round.
      Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was among those on social media pondering City deepening football’s hectic schedule for the second half of the campaign.

      The United legend tweeted: “Sounds like Chelsea on the 3rd and the League cup semi v United all gone!”
      And although some fans claimed it was unfair Orient were booted out, Nev doubted the same fate would befall City.
      He posted: “Not sure they will but I think @leytonorientfc will be watching closely.” 

      Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker were the first two Man City players to test positive in the latest outbreak of coronavirus Credit: PA:Press Association

      Pep Guardiola will have a headache as his Man City squad can’t train for nowCredit: AFP

      City say they will only consider resuming training once their squad and other people in their bubble have been tested again.
      A club statement said: “After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day.”
      And after the Everton match was called off, Prem bosses insisted:  “The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its protocols and rules, and the way in which all clubs are implementing them.”

      Pep Guardiola reacts to Man City’s victory over Newcastle More

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      Man Utd MUST lift Carabao Cup and expect to win trophies under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, says Harry Maguire

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      MANCHESTER UNITED must win the Carabao Cup and expect to deliver more trophies under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to Harry Maguire.
      Jose Mourinho led the club to League Cup and Europa League glory in 2017 before being replaced by the Norwegian in December 2018.

      Harry Maguire has called on his Manchester United team to get back to winning trophies againCredit: Reuters

      Current Red Devils boss Solskjaer is yet to lift his first piece of silverware in charge.
      But with United reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals, skipper Maguire has called on his side to go all the way – and reintroduce a culture of success at Old Trafford.
      Speaking after Wednesday’s quarter-final win at Everton, the ex-Leicester City man said: “When you play for Manchester United you expect to win trophies.
      “This year we reached our first semi-final in our first competition.

      “But now it’s about winning the big games and lifting trophies for this club.”
      United face neighbours Manchester City at home in the semis.
      Tottenham take on Brentford for a spot in the rearranged final at Wembley on April 25.
      Solskjaer saw his side crash out to Pep Guardiola’s men at this stage last year.

      Now he is desperate to end the Etihad domination of the tournament with City beating Arsenal, Chelsea and then Aston Villa in the last three finals.
      The Norwegian added: “I’ve just seen that we drew City again, after we played them in the semis last year. Very interesting!
      “We lost three semi-finals last year, and that is a step not far enough for this club, so we want to do better this year.
      “We have a big squad, and every win boots our morale and self-belief.
      “A semi-final is sometimes worse than the final because it’s the worst possible time to lose a game and go out of the competition.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comes up against Pep Guardiola in the Carabao Cup semi-finals once againCredit: Getty – Contributor

      City dumped United out in the last four a year ago before going on to win a third final in a rowCredit: Reuters

      Solskjaer reacts after beating Everton to reach a Carabao Cup semi-final vs Man City More

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      Spurs fans back Dele Alli as he is named man of the match vs Stoke while O’Hara claims Mourinho ‘killing his confidence’

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      TOTTENHAM fans have leapt to Dele Alli’s defence in his feud with Jose Mourinho.
      The England midfielder was named man of the match against Stoke after a vote by Spurs supporters.

      Dele Alli was named man of the match by Tottenham supporters

      That was despite being hauled off on 66 minutes in the 3-1 win at StokeCredit: Rex Features

      And that was despite him being hauled off and replaced by Erik Lamela just after the hour mark.
      Mourinho was furious with Alli’s role in Stoke’s equaliser in the 53rd minute as he lost possession and let the Championship side in to score.
      Alli threw a strop when he was taken off while Mourinho called him out after the 3-1 Carabao Cup win.
      The Spurs boss said: “A player in that position is a player that has to link and create and not to create problems for his own team.”

      But Tottenham fans defended the midfielder, who made his first start since November 26.
      Almost 40,000 fans voted in a poll for man of the match – and a third of the votes went to Alli.
      He beat the likes of Harry Winks, Harry Kane and Ben Davies to the award despite being hooked off early.
      One Spurs fan tweeted: “It’s a shame that Dele being our best player for 90 per cent of his time on the pitch probably still isn’t enough for Jose to see he should be a part of his plans.

      “Makes one mistake and he’s scapegoated for what we can all agree is poor defending.”

      Dele received one third of the near 40,000 votes in a fan poll
      Another wrote: “Really Tottenham? The only player trying anything and Jose takes him off again!!”
      Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara accused Mourinho of ‘digging out’ Alli and ‘killing his confidence’.
      O’Hara told talkSPORT: “When you come out and you’re digging a player out in the press, I think he needs to help him.
      “What’s he gaining from going to the press and digging out that single performance?
      “It’s just killing his confidence more. He’s an investment and an asset to the club and whether he’s in your plans or not, you don’t want to kill his confidence so much that you totally lose him.

      “I didn’t like the way Mourinho dug him out and he keeps singling him out.
      “I think Mourinho’s doing a great job and he’s got the team all on side but, for me, it doesn’t sit right with the way he keeps digging out Dele Alli.
      “Even if you’re gonna push him out then just say ‘you’re not wanted’ and ‘he’s not in my plans’.
      “If you’re killing his confidence and saying ‘he’s not for me’ and you’re just digging out his performance, then surely you’re just devaluing the player.”

      Jose Mourinho furious with Dele Alli as out-of-favour star is subbed vs Stoke after ‘costing Spurs goal’ More

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      Is EFL Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two, and what are the rules?

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      THE CARABAO CUP is now down to the final four.
      Man Utd take on Man City in a huge Manchester derby while Brentford face Tottenham, but what are EFL Cup semi-final rules?

      Man Utd take on Man City in the EFL Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Is the Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two?

      The Carabao Cup semi-final has traditionally been two legs, although the rules have been changed in recent years.
      Away goals were previously used after extra time to separate two sides if they happened to be level after two legs.
      But that was done away with when the EFL scrapped extra time, meaning any ties that were level were decided on penalties.
      And this year’s Carabao Cup semi-final will consist of just one leg in order to ease fixture congestion caused by the delayed start to the season and the Covid pandemic.

      Whichever team is drawn first in each tie will play at home.

      Does the Carabao Cup have VAR?
      The Carabao Cup does not have VAR – the only competition Premier League sides participate in in which this is the case.
      The tournament is organised by the EFL who have chosen not to introduce it at any level.
      Which teams are in the Carabao Cup semi-final?
      Manchester United vs Manchester City
      Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur
      Matches to be played the week of January 4, 2021 More

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      EFL Cup semi-final draw LIVE: Man Utd vs Man City in HUGE derby, Brentford vs Spurs – latest reaction

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      EDINSON CAVANI and Anthony Martial fired Manchester United into the EFL Cup semi-final with a dramatic late win at Everton.
      And Utd will now face Man City in a massive Manchester derby in the semi-final in the draw which followed the match. Brentford host Tottenham.
      EFL Cup semi-final draw: Man Utd vs Man City, Brentford vs Tottenham
      Ties will be played week of January 4

      THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT!
      Manchester United are through to Carabao Cup semi finals after beating Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park thanks to goals from Cavani and Martial.
      United will face Man City in a Manchester derby in the semi finals of the competition.
      Tottenham will face Brentford in the other semi final.
      Be sure to join us on SunSport soon for more live blogs as the Christmas fixtures are starting to come think and fast!
      Thank you and goodnight!

      MORE FROM SOLSKJAER
      “This was a proper game of football, with fans, tackles, yellow cards and chances, I enjoyed it. We know that when we defend well we have players that can win us the game, the spirit in the camp is really good, winning gives energy and gives you a boost for the next game and we’re in the semi’s just one step away from the final.”

      REACTION FROM SOLSKJAER
      “Very good start, first 20-25 minutes I thought we were excellent should have been 1,20r 3 up but Olsen made a few good saves and kept them in the game and they had a good spell just before half time but I felt second half we dominated.”

      MORE FROM ANCELOTTI
      “They had more control and better quality we know this and so the game was planned to defend well, we had some but not a lot of opportunities on the counter but that was the game we planned. We don’t need to have regrets because the team performed, they sacrificed, they worked hard with good spirit, we lost and we look forward to the next game.”

      REACTION FROM ANCELOTTI
      “No regrets for the performance, we defended well, we had a difficult start but after 20 minutes the game was under control, we didn’t play attacking football but we needed to defend, until the last three minutes we defended well.”

      MORE FROM MAGUIRE
      “We play for Manchester United, we’re expected to win trophies we got to the semi finals last year, this year we’ve reach our first semi final in our first competition, we need to start winning the big games and go on to lift trophies for this club.”

      REACTION FROM MAGUIRE
      He told Sky Sports: ‘ I thought it was an excellent performance, we started the game really well and had 3/4 great chances and needed to be a little bit more clinical but we kept going and digging in and knew the chance would come and Edinson has put a great finish in and we managed to seal the win and go through to the next round.”

      ALL LONDON AFFAIR IN THE SEMIS

      MANCHESTER DERBY IN THE SEMIS

      SEMI FINAL DRAW
      Man United v Man City
      Tottenham v Brentford

      WHO WILL UNITED GET IN THE SEMIS?

      MARTIAL STEPPING UP

      RASHFORD IN FORM

      IMPRESSIVE POGBA

      LUCKY GROUND FOR CAVANI?

      PERSISTENT CAVANI

      MARTIAL SEALED IT

      UNITED IN FORM

      GREAT STRIKE FROM CAVANI

      MAN UNITED THROUGH TO THE SEMIS!

      PEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!
      FULL TIME
      EVERTON 0-2 MAN UTD

      EVERTON 0-2 MAN UTD
      95. Martial scores with the last kick of the game!!!!!!!!!!!

      GOAL!!!!!! MAN UNITED!!!!!!

      EVERTON 0-1 MAN UTD
      92. United in control, Everton showing some fight but it seems too little too late.

      EVERTON 0-1 MAN UTD
      90. Five minutes of added time.

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