Manchester City hold a 3-1 aggregate advantage heading back to the Etihad against rivals Manchester United in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
After Manchester City managed a big win at Old Trafford in the first leg, City have one foot in the final of the Carabao Cup as Pep Guardiola’s men seek to win the trophy for a third consecutive season.
Finishing the job against rivals Manchester United, who will be missing talisman Marcus Rashford to a long-term injury, is the only thing standing in the Blues’ way from a trip to Wembley. Should they win, they will earn a matchup with either Leicester City or Aston Villa, who drew 1-1 at the King Power Stadium in the first leg.
City will be heavy favorites to go through, although there are no away goals or extra time, as the clash will go straight to penalties if United level the aggregate score within 90 minutes.
Aymeric Laporte is once again a doubt as he failed to make the matchday squad against Fulham, and City should proceed cautiously to ensure he is fully fit for the Champions League Round of 16 in February.
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In other injury news, Leroy Sané has returned to full team training ahead of City’s massive clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League for the first time since a knee injury in the Community Shield victory over Liverpool.
City’s success in the cups remains the major way to salvage what has been a difficult domestic season. Although major rivals Liverpool refuse to even attempt to win the competition, rotation and bringing in silverware has been Pep Guardiola’s specialty, and City are unbeaten in their last 19 domestic cup matches. With a derby win on Wednesday, the Citizens are rapidly approaching yet another trophy and their first of 2019/20.