THIS League Cup semi-final promises to be a cracker with Manchester United and Manchester City both in fine form ahead of their Old Trafford showdown.
It's now 10 domestic games unbeaten for the Red Devils after their 2-1 triumph over Aston Villa on New Year's Day, a match where all three of my main tips came up.
But City's form is even better with their 3-1 weekend win over Chelsea making it 11 games unbeaten for Pep Guardiola's slick side.
I thought that clash at Stamford Bridge might be tight but the Blues were blown away inside 34 minutes, with Kevin De Bruyne bringing up one of my bets.
Both Manchester sides have fired themselves back into title contention after early-season slumps but they will also want to lift the first piece of silverware available.
City's last defeat in the League Cup came at Old Trafford over four years ago and the holders will be determined to keep their vice-like grip on the trophy.
How the bookies view it
Manchester City's impressive form makes them favourites, with most firms pricing them at evens and SBK offering a best 13/12. A Manchester United win is 27/10 with the same firm while they price the draw at 37/13.
When it comes to qualifying for the final, City are 8/15 with almost everyone while United are a best 6/4 with Betway. I fancy City so I will back them to get the job done inside 90 minutes.
Recent head to head
It was a damp squib when these sides faced off in the league at Old Trafford earlier this season, the 0-0 draw leaving plenty of punters disappointed, including our man Slips Tips.
That made it three derbies unbeaten for United after victories in the league and the second leg of last season's League Cup semi-final. But it was City who progressed to the final thanks to a 3-1 win at Old Trafford in the first leg (below).
And Guardiola's side have only lost once in their last five trips across Manchester to their rivals' home.
Players to watch
Marcus Rashford (below) has been in fine form, netting four times in his last six appearances for United. He also scored twice in the derbies last term and is a decent 27/10 for anytime scorer at 888Sport.
Kevin De Bruyne played up front for City at Chelsea with Gabriel Jesus out and Sergio Aguero still not fully fit. The Belgian is 9/4 at Paddy Power for a goal here which looks good value.
Anything else catch the eye?
I can see a few goals, even though the last derby was a dreary stalemate, and over 2.5 strikes pays 8/11 at McBookie.
City's habit of scoring early continued at the weekend so I like the look of the 3/4 on offer at Betway for them to score in the first half here.
William Hill are offering evens on both sides winning over one corner in the first half and that looks another good option while I also fancy a goal from outside the area at 11/8 with Betfred.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played Fred and Scott McTominay to stifle City’s midfield earlier this season. If he does that again the Brazilian looks good value for a card at 13/8 with McBookie.
This EFL Cup match between Manchester United and Manchester City will be played on Jan 6, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
