United v City: EFL Cup preview
Mourinho and Guardiola's second meeting of the season promises to be eventful.
It’s the Manchester derby tonight and United will be hoping to recover from this weekend’s humiliation at Chelsea, while City aim to break their five-game winless run as the sides meet in EFL Cup.
Jose Mourinho’s nightmare return to Stamford Bridge as United manager witnessed his side lose 4-0, conceding in the first 30 seconds.
"I would prefer to play in the Premier League. It's a bad feeling in the Premier League. With the combination of results, the gap to the top is six points," Mourinho told MUTV.
"We have had a very difficult period of matches. We lost points this week and, even in the match when we played phenomenal against Stoke, we lost points then. Now we need to win matches."
This Manchester showdown comes five weeks after City’s 2-1 win against United in the league. Since then United have lost three games - while Guardiola has failed to win his past three away games. He has only ever gone four away games without a win once when he managed Barcelona in 2009.
Despite his recent winless run manager Pep Guardiola said he will rotate his side.
"Some are going to play. I need to see the players in training and after we will decide the team," he added.
De Bruyne will miss the clash due to a calf injury, Zabaleta is also out. United defender Bailly could be out of action for up to two months following a tussle with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard last weekend.
United have won two of their six previous EFL Cup meetings with City (D1 L3) but remain unbeaten at Old Trafford, while both times City have eliminated their neighbours they have gone on to win the trophy (1969-70 and 1975-76).
Ahead of tonight's clash Greater Manchester Police have issued a statement for fans:
Chief Inspector Dean Howard, match commander for the Manchester United v Manchester City League Cup match, said: “Ahead of the Manchester derby tonight, I would like to offer a very warm welcome to all supporters to what will undoubtedly be one of the most competitive games of the season.
“We are working closely with both clubs and supporters groups to make sure everyone can enjoy the match in a competitive but safe environment.
“In recent years, all those in attendance have been very well behaved and we have seen this fixture pass largely without incident, which is a testament to supporters of both clubs.
“There will be police in and around the ground so if you have any concerns before, during or after the match, then please feel free to approach nearby officers or stewards. Alternatively you can call 101 or in an emergency, always call 999.”