Tuesday Gossip

MCFC Editorial

Solskjaer: City give us something to aim for

They don’t come much bigger.
City make the short trip to Old Trafford this evening for the first of a two-part Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Manchester United.
Ahead of the game, we’ve scoured the papers to bring you all the latest – including the view from Old Trafford and some team news ahead of the big game.
And there's more recognition of Kevin De Bruyne's brilliance.

So, without further ado...

View from the opposition
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: "In a derby it's about Adrenalin and atmosphere.
"I admire Pep. They've raised the bar so much it's something to aim for. They're back winning games and confident, but form goes out of the window [in a derby]."

Men's Team
Garcia expecting different United approach

Injury news
BBC Sport: Carabao Cup - United v City
"Solskjaer will give midfielder Jesse Lingard, forward Anthony Martial, and left-back Luke Shaw, who all missed United's goalless FA Cup third-round tie at Wolves, and central defender Harry Maguire, who injured a foot in that game, until the last minute to prove their fitness."
Opinion
Manchester Evening News: How City should line up v United
Stuart Brennan writes: "Leaving out Claudio Bravo would send out the wrong message to his number two keeper, and the same goes for Gabriel Jesus, especially as Sergio Aguero played the full 90 minutes on Saturday.
"Playing Port Vale at the weekend allowed Guardiola to rest some of his big names - and that means Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Kyle Walker, Raheem Sterlng and Riyad Mahrez are all set to return, presumably refreshed.
"Eric Garcia has earned the right to partner Fernandinho, while Benjamin Mendy is better equipped to deal with Daniel James, who gave Angelino the runaround last month."
The Mirror: Manchester Derby predicted lineups
Gareth Bicknell writes: "Manchester United and Manchester City will field strong teams in Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final showdown at Old Trafford after resting players for their FA Cup ties at the weekend.
"City will be determined to maintain their stranglehold on the competition after lifting the EFL Cup in three out of the last four seasons, while they will also be keen to avenge a 2-1 defeat to United last month which blew a huge hole in their fading title hopes.

Men's Team
City to host Fulham in FA Cup 4th round
"And silverware would be a welcome boost for United in a season which started badly but has shown significant signs of improvement of late.
"Man Utd (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Young; Fred, Matic; James, Pereira, Rashford; Martial.
"Man City (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Fernandinho, Garcia, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, D Silva; Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling."

And finally
FIFA 2020 Team of the Year: De Bruyne makes final XI
Alisson Becker (GK), Andrew Robertson (LB), Matthijs de Ligt (CB), Virgil van Dijk (CB), Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB), N’Golo Kante (CDM), Frenkie De Jong (CM), Kevin De Bruyne (CAM), Sadio Mane (LW), Kylian Mbappe (ST), Lionel Messi (RW)
That’s all for this morning’s Media Watch – but stay with us throughout the day as we bring you all the latest ahead of the Manchester Derby.
And don’t forget, you can follow the game LIVE via minute-by-minute updates in our Matchday Centre.