The stupid two-legged semi final is upon us as the Carabao Cup has reached the last four. Aston Villa, Leicester, Manchester City and Manchester United remain in the competition. Below is who I think will progress to the final at Wembley.
Manchester United vs Manchester City
The most enticing tie out of the two is the Manchester derby. Solskjaer is feeling the pressure - as has always been the case since signing the permanent contract in March - after some underwhelming but not uncharacteristic performances. United only seem to be able to play on the counter attack when the opposition leaves spaces open but when those spaces are closed, his players lack the creative ability to find another way through. Manchester City suffered a surprise loss to United in the first league derby and this competition has been won 2/3 times by Guardiola since he came to England. He was able to rest players on the weekend while Solskjaer played close to a full strength side. City will be fresher for the first leg and I expect them win.
Verdict - Manchester City
Leicester City vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa's exit in the FA Cup is made better by reaching the latter stages of the other domestic cup competition. With injuries to key midfielder John McGinn and striker Wesley, the onus - as it always is - will be on Jack Grealish to help the underdogs pull off a shock win. Leicester, like Manchester City, rested first choice players on the weekend as they look to win their first silverware since the Premier League in 2016. Both want to play similar attacking football but Leicester have the better team and a squad that hasn't been depleted by injuries. Leicester to win, for me.
Verdict - Leicester City
Manchester United vs Manchester City
The most enticing tie out of the two is the Manchester derby. Solskjaer is feeling the pressure - as has always been the case since signing the permanent contract in March - after some underwhelming but not uncharacteristic performances. United only seem to be able to play on the counter attack when the opposition leaves spaces open but when those spaces are closed, his players lack the creative ability to find another way through. Manchester City suffered a surprise loss to United in the first league derby and this competition has been won 2/3 times by Guardiola since he came to England. He was able to rest players on the weekend while Solskjaer played close to a full strength side. City will be fresher for the first leg and I expect them win.
Verdict - Manchester City
Leicester City vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa's exit in the FA Cup is made better by reaching the latter stages of the other domestic cup competition. With injuries to key midfielder John McGinn and striker Wesley, the onus - as it always is - will be on Jack Grealish to help the underdogs pull off a shock win. Leicester, like Manchester City, rested first choice players on the weekend as they look to win their first silverware since the Premier League in 2016. Both want to play similar attacking football but Leicester have the better team and a squad that hasn't been depleted by injuries. Leicester to win, for me.
Verdict - Leicester City
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