Bristol City vs Man Utd – Match Preview – Manchester United take a trip to high-flying Bristol City as they look to secure their place in the last four of the Carabao Cup.
Consecutive league wins have helped United bounce back from their disappointing derby defeat. Wins against Bournemouth and West Brom will have helped restore confidence in the United camp which will hopefully spur them on to close the gap to their noisy neighbours.
Another huge bonus for Jose Mourinho is the return of Paul Pogba. The Frenchman is now available again after completing his three-match suspension. With a place in the last four now within reach, I think Mourinho will play a strong side against his Championship counterparts. The United boss will want to avoid any complacency as he looks to claim his second consecutive League Cup in charge of the Red Devils.
Could Ibrahimovic start tonight in the Carabao Cup? Photo Credit: skysports.com
After beating Burton Albion and Swansea City to reach this stage, this will probably be their toughest game so far. Whilst Swansea might be Premier League opposition, they are in dire form which is quite the opposite to the Robins. Whilst there’s no doubt that United are massive favourites for the game I think Lee Johnson’s side will try and attack them from the off to get the crowd behind them.
Reid has the ability to cause Utd’s defence problems Photo Credit: skysports.com
Bristol City have performed well above expectations in the league and sit in third place, seven points clear of seventh-placed Leeds. The Robins are now just four points behind Cardiff who occupy the second automatic promotion spot, meaning they have a realistic chance of promotion this season. The main challenge for Johnson will be trying to keep his players fit and firing. Compared to other sides at the top of the table they have quite a small squad, so it will be interesting to see if they can maintain this fine form through the festive period. City have also knocked out three Premier League sides on their way to the quarter-final, with Stoke and Crystal Palace both losing out at Ashton Gate.
These two teams have not met since 1980. The last time they did a Joe Jordan brace gave Manchester United a comfortable 4-0 victory. Whilst Manchester United are favourites for the game, I think BTTS and United to win is a good bet. Bristol City have managed 14 goals in the cup in just four games and I think they’ll get on the scoresheet again on Wednesday night. I still think United will go through, although team selection could be vital if Mourinho’s men want to avoid an upset.
Prediction: Bristol City 1-3 Manchester United
SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE UNITED 3-1- 10/1
SKYBET: BTTS AND UNITED TO WIN- 7/4
SKYBET: MARTIAL TO SCORE A BRACE- 7/2
SKYBET: POGBA TO SCORE OUTSIDE THE PENALTY AREA- 8/1
SKYBET: BRISTOL CITY TO QUALITY- 10/3
SKYBET: IBRAHIMOVIC TO SCORE A HEADER- 12/1
SKYBET: REID TO SCORE FIRST- 8/1
