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How Manchester United could line up against Manchester City

Ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup game between Manchester United and Manchester City, Sports Mole looks at how the visitors could line up at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester United make the short trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City needing to overturn a 3-1 deficit in order to reach the EFL Cup final.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer witnessed his side concede three first-half goals during the first leg, before Marcus Rashford netted an important consolation after the break.

However, the Norwegian is having to contend with a lengthy injury list at Old Trafford, one which is not expected to improve ahead of this game.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how United may line up for the derby showdown with the defending champions.



MNUXI vs. MNC© Reuters

Out: Scott McTominay (knee), Paul Pogba (ankle), Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring), Marcus Rashford (back), Marcos Rojo (calf)

While Solskjaer still has plenty of players at his disposal, there are unlikely to be any major surprises regarding his team selection.

The defence picks itself, with Brandon Williams expected to keep Luke Shaw out at left-back, while David de Gea may get the nod over regular cup stopper Sergio Romero.

Nemanja Matic and Fred should continue as the two defensive-minded midfielders, leaving Solskjaer to select one of Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira for the most advanced role in the centre.

After being rested for the game with Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup, Mata could be preferred, especially with United also requiring a creative influence behind the main striker.

Mason Greenwood is in contention to begin the game on the right wing, leaving Daniel James to make the switch to the opposite flank.

> Click here to see how Man City could line up for this match

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