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      Solskjaer insists Man Utd are ready to shake off semi-final jinx ahead of EFL Cup showdown against City

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER insists Manchester United are ready to shake off their semi-final jinx.
      The Red Devils lost in three last season including a two-legged EFL Cup tie with Manchester City.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Man Utd are ready to end their semi-final jinxCredit: Getty

      United were dumped out of the Carabao Cup last season by City in the semisCredit: Getty Images

      They face their neighbours again at the same stage of the competition tomorrow night but this time in a one-off game at Old Trafford.
      And Solskjaer said: “We’ve improved immensely in a year since that last semi and since we were in the Europa League semi in August.
      “We’ve earned the right to go all the way with our performances. We are confident with our form, so no excuses.
      “We have prepared well, the squad is focused and ready to give it a go.”

      It was last January when they went out to City over two legs then in July they lost 3-1 to Chelsea in the FA Cup last four and to Sevilla in the Europa League the following month one hurdle short of a final appearance.
      Just getting to those semi-finals showed how far Solskjaer had come with his team, but also how far they had to go.
      He knows from experience what it means for a side to take the next step and get to a final and hold a trophy.
      He said: “Of course, you play football to win trophies, to get your hands on a trophy.

      “For this team it would be a very, very big step, getting our hands on a trophy,
      “When you get to a semi you’ve done a lot of good work to get there and you play better and better opposition. But it’s about fine margins in those semi-finals as well.”
      United face a City side who destroyed Chelsea with their best performance of the season so far in winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
      Solskjaer believes they had benefited from their game away to Everton being called off due to Covid, giving them an extra few days of rest.
      He said: “With City against Chelsea, you could see the freshness and sharpness and intensity they had.
      “It was a quality game physically, one of the most intense games in the league this season.
      “And it’s no surprise there because they had a few extra days to prepare.”
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      When United hosted City in the league on December 12 it was a dull goalless cagey affair.
      For Solskjaer it was evidence of the level of respect they had for each other.
      “But he also believes there has been a change of style from City who he thinks sit back and counter attack more now.
      He said:“They were not as possession based against Chelsea, more counter attacking, we’ve got to be aware of that.”
      It will be United’s first game since a new national lockdown was announced and Solskjaer says it is important that football keeps going to give people some relief at these difficult times.
      He said: “Since March of last year until now, it has been a testing time for everyone.
      “We are privileged to play football under protocols and hopefully we can continue.
      “Mentally for many it is a release to watch games now we are in full lockdown again, hopefully we can continue, but we have to work hard to stay in the guidelines and keep the show on the road.”
      ⚽ 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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      Carabao Cup rule change confirmed with five subs allowed for Man Utd and Co… but NOT sixth if it goes to extra time

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      CARABAO CUP semi-final teams will be allowed five substitutions – but not a sixth if the game goes to extra-time.
      EFL bosses confirmed the change in regulations when the last four begins as Tottenham take on Brentford on Tuesday night.

      Carabao Cup semi-final teams can now make FIVE subs across three opportunitiesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Manchester United face neighbours City in the other semi on Wednesday.
      Teams will now be able to make five subs across a maximum of THREE opportunities.
      Ties will now go to extra-time – rather than straight to penalties as it had been during the earlier stages – where applicable.
      How many subs can teams make in the Carabao Cup and what happens in extra time?
      Teams will NOT be granted an additional, sixth sub for the extra half an hour.

      The EFL decision will meet the approval of Etihad boss Pep Guardiola.
      A league spokesman explained: “The EFL has agreed to increase the number of substitutes permitted to be used in this season’s Carabao Cup semi-finals and final.
      “Following consultation with the four clubs remaining in the competition, nine substitutes can now be named in the matchday squad.
      “Five [are] permitted to take to the pitch during the 90 minutes and extra time if applicable. 

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      “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.”
      How many subs could teams make prior to the Carabao Cup semi-finals?
      Until this stage, ties had gone straight to penalties after 90 minutes.
      Spurs – who eliminated Chelsea – are among the shoot-out winners.
      However, the rules had already confirmed that extra-time would be available for the semi-finals and final if needed.

      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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      Tottenham vs Brentford: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for big EFL semi-final

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      TOTTENHAM take on Brentford in their EFL Cup semi-finals as Jose Mourinho hunts the club’s first trophy since 2008.
      Spurs beat Stoke while Brentford overcame Newcastle in their respective quarter-final match-ups.

      Brentford beat Newcastle in their quarter-final to set up a game with SpursCredit: AP:Associated Press
      What time does Tottenham vs Brentford kick-off?
      Tottenham’s semi-final clash with Brentford will kick-off at 7.45pm UK time on January 5 2021.
      The game will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      There will be no supporters in attendance because London is in tier 4 of the government’s coronavirus restrictions.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      The game will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      Both games are available for live streaming from the Sky Go or NOW TV apps, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.
      You can also catch all the action from a Smart TV, so long as it carries NOW TV.

      Team news

      Deli Alli could feature for Spurs as Jose Mourinho looks to ensure their safe passage to the final.
      Giovani Lo Celso and Gareth Bale are out with injury, while Matt Doherty is suspended.
      Brentford have no new injury concerns ahead of the game, with Sergi Canos set to start.
      Odds
      Tottenham – 4/9

      Draw – 17/5
      Brentford – 6/1
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Jose Mourinho claims Tottenham clash with Brentford in Carabao Cup semi-final is biggest game of his reign so far

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      JOSE MOURINHO says the Carabao Cup semi against Brentford is the biggest game of Tottenham reign so far.
      Spurs host the Championship Bees in a one-legged showdown as they look to end their 13-year trophy drought.

      Jose Mourinho has been in charge of Tottenham since November 2019Credit: Reuters

      Asked if Tuesday’s game is his most important match since taking over as boss 14 months ago, Mourinho said: “Yes, I think so.
      “In the perspective of the club chasing silverware for many years, I would say so.
      “Of course we always have important matches.
      “Last season we had a match at Palace that would give us participation in this season’s Europa League or not.

      “The match against Leeds on Saturday was also very important as we went a few games without a victory in the Premier League.
      “But I would say a semi-final is always a very important match – the only one more important is a final.”
      Tottenham have not lifted trophy since beating Chelsea 2-1 in extra time in the final of this competition at Wembley in 2008.
      Spurs’ last FA Cup triumph was in 1991 while you have to go back all the way to 1961 for the last time they were crowned top flight champs – although they did win the Uefa Cup in 1984.

      Tottenham thumped Leeds United 3-0 at the weekendCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Carabao Cup is much maligned, but Mourinho hopes lifting it this season could lead to his club winning more silverware.
      He said: “For me every competition is important.
      “I won the this competition when it was the Carling Cup in my first season at Chelsea after a few months in England in 2004/05.
      “So for me every competition is different and it doesn’t matter the club where you are or the ambitions you have, every competition is important.
      “That is my way of looking at things, especially at a club without silverware for more than one decade.
      “After more than one decade, every competition becomes more important and if we win two matches we win a trophy.
      “Two difficult matches, of course, but if we win them we get a trophy which I think would be a very good thing for the club and for the players.”

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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.”

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