So, can Manchester United finally avenge their narrow defeat against Manchester City at the Old Trafford in the Premier League earlier this season? That remains to be seen when the 20-time English league champions take on their 'noisy neighbours' yet again on Wednesday at the same venue in the EFL Cup (League Cup).
Man City have won four out of their previous six games at the Theatre of Dreams and going by their recent run of form, Pep Guardiola's side do have the edge of Jose Mourinho's army, who look completely out of morale, especially after getting thrashed against Chelsea in the weekend.
Man Utd met City last time in the English League Cup in 2010 -- the semifinal clash of the season. Then coached by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, United went on to win the match as well as the League Cup 2009-10 final. Can a similar thing happen this time around as well with Mourinho as well? Well, it's very hard to predict.
A statement of intent arrived from the Manchester United camp at the start of the current season as the hotshots of football -- Mourinho (coach), Paul Pogba (midfielder) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (striker) -- were roped in, but well, the team has not yet performed apart from shining in instalments.
"We didn't do good in the last game [against Chelsea] because we lost, obviously, but let's change that for this game and win the game and go further in the cup. That's what we want. We believe in ourselves and believe in what we are doing, that's the main thing," said Ibrahimovic, who will be playing his second ever Manchester derby on Wednesday.
"It's a rival game between two teams from the same city; one is light blue, one is red. You always want to be the boss of the city, of course," he added.
City, meanwhile, this season, are giving a great display of football in the Premier League and other competitions as well. Guardiola, who used a magic wand during his time at FC Barcelona, is trying to get the best out of the English league side as well.
"It's a cup game – that makes it special anyway – but the fact it is United and everything that goes with a Manchester derby for the fans and the city gives it that extra edge," said Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who will be playing his first ever Manchester Derby. "It has a huge meaning for Manchester, England and maybe the whole world will be watching and we will look to repeat the victory and the performance from earlier this season."
Schedule
Manchester United vs Manchester City is scheduled to kick off at 8 pm BST (12.30 am IST Thursday], 3 pm EST) on October 26.
Where to watch live
INDIA: TV: Ten 2, Ten 1 HD. Live streaming: Ten Sports live.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 1/HD, Now TV. Live streaming: Sky Go. Radio commentary: BBC Radio 5 Live.
USA: TV: beIN Sports, fubo TV. Live streaming: beIN Sports Connect.
