Manchester United continue the title defense of their EFL Cup, with a quarterfinal tie at Bristol City. If United are to win at Ashton Gate and reach the League Cup semifinals, then they will most likely have to do it without Antonio Valencia.
The stellar defender was withdrawn from the win at West Bromwich Albion with a hamstring problem. Midfielders Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini have been out for some time, but don’t expect to see them in action tomorrow night. Eric Bailly will be out for a very long time to come, after his ankle surgery.
This will no doubt be an opportunity for manager Jose Mourinho to rotate his squad, and gave several players who don’t see much action a rare start. One first teamer that you’ll likely to see is Paul Pogba, as his three match ban is now over, and this will be a good chance for him to shake off the rust.
For the hosts, Famara Diedhiou, Milan Djuric, Jens Hegeler, Ivan Lucic, Callum O’Dowda, Gary O’Neil, Eros Pisano and Korey Smith have all been injured. Bristol City are in good form right now, as they’re currently third in the Championship table. This will be the first meeting between these sides in this specific competition, and the first of any kind since both were in the top flight in February 1980. United won that 4-0.
MUFC starting XI prediction: go to this link
Odds: Bristol 15/2, United 4/11, extra time draw 19/5
Prediction: Man United 3, Bristol City 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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