Owen makes prediction for Carabao Cup semi-finals including Man Utd vs Man City

Michael Owen has backed his former club Manchester United to overcome Carabao Cup holders Manchester City in their blockbuster semi-final.

The two Manchester giants meet again on Wednesday night in a repeat of their clash in last season's Carabao Cup last four.

Over two legs last January, City progressed 3-2 on aggregate on their way to a third successive Carabao Cup triumph.

Due to fixture congestion, the EFL has decided this campaign's semi-finals will be played over just one leg, with Tottenham facing Championship side Brentford on Tuesday.

Former England ace Owen predicted two entertaining fixtures as he explained why United can knock out the defending champions.

Backing the Red Devils to win 2-1 at Old Trafford, he told BetVictor : "Both Manchester sides are in excellent form ahead of this semi-final clash.

"Manchester City have been steadily improving week-on-week and their progress continued at the weekend, playing some of their best stuff when defeating Chelsea 3-1.

"Having climbed to second position in the Premier League, Manchester United come into this undefeated in their last 7 matches.

Get the latest news straight into your inbox!

It has been a hectic season so far – so make sure you don't miss a single thing by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter!

All the latest transfer news and big stories will land straight into your inbox. You won't miss out.

To sign up, put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.

"Ole Gunnar Solkjaer is aiming for silverware. However, for that to happen his side must end City’s recent dominance in this competition.

"Interestingly, City have failed to score in their last four visits to Old Trafford. United should line up with the same side that defeated Aston Villa at the weekend with Dean Henderson the only exception in goal.

"With both sides in such good form, it’s no doubt going to be a tight match. That said, Manchester United have tremendous momentum.

Do you agree with Michael Owen's predictions for the two Carabao Cup semi-finals? Have your say in the comments.

"I think they’ll have just enough against a City side who may be slightly understrength on the night."

Turning his attention to the other semi-final, Owen praised Brentford but sided against the Bees eliminating a fifth Premier League club from the Carabao Cup this season.

Predicting Tottenham will prevail with a 3-1 victory, he added: "Carabao Cup giant-killers Brentford look to continue their fantastic cup run against a Spurs side that are desperate to land some silverware.

"For the Bees, it’s no doubt their biggest challenge in the competition to date, but one I’m sure the players will be relishing.

"We all know that Jose Mourinho holds the Carabao Cup in high regard. With that in mind, I’m in no doubt that Tottenham will line up here with a full strength side.

"Brentford have defeated Newcastle, Fulham, West Brom and Southampton en route to the semis. However, with the quality in the Tottenham ranks, I can only see the Premier League progressing in what should be an enjoyable encounter."

Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.

Source: Read Full Article