With City taking on Chelsea at Wembley this afternoon and fascinating subplot in the title race as United take on Liverpool, by around 7pm this evening we’ll know a lot more about the Blues’ chances of a domestic trophy sweep.
READ: Demichelis: ‘City can win everything’
READ: Carabao Cup final: Talking Points
And coming up, former Reds Eric Cantona and Gary Neville have their say on the title race and today’s clash at Wembley respectively.
First up, The Mirror believe Aro Muric will get the nod in goal for City this afternoon – as he has done throughout the Carabao Cup run to date.
They write: “Pep Guardiola is set to throw rookie keeper Aro Muric into the Carabao Cup final fray.
“Muric, 20, a Kosovo international who was born in Switzerland, has played in every round as Manchester City’s defence of the trophy they won last year has carried them all the way to a Wembley showdown with Chelsea.
“Now the 6ft 6ins stopper is ready to be asked to halt Eden Hazard and Co, ahead of first-choice Brazilian star Ederson.
“Muric insists he is ready. He said: ‘It’s amazing for me to make this step.
‘I’m still young and this competition has helped me a lot in terms of my confidence.
‘It’s a great experience for me and I appreciate the manager giving me this chance.
‘Both Pep Guardiola and the goalkeeping coach (Xabier Mancisidor) believe in me - and that is massive.
‘I was a fan of the club as a 15-year-old when I had the chance to come over as a trialist, so to now become a part of the first team makes me very happy – it is something I’m very proud of.’
Whoever starts in goal will no doubt do the Club proud – but Pep won’t be revealing that until around 3.30pm.
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, focus on yesterday’s Conti Cup success as the Club celebrated what we all hope will be a number of trophies for our various teams.
It reads: “Manchester City Women won the Continental Cup for a third time as they beat Arsenal Women 4-2 on penalties at Bramall Lane following a 0-0 draw.
“Karen Bardsley saved Danielle van de Donk’s spot-kick before successful efforts from City captain Steph Houghton and substitute Janine Beckie as Nick Cushing’s side gained revenge for their 1-0 loss to the Gunners in last season’s final at Adams Park.
“City - currently two points clear of second-placed Arsenal in the Women’s Super League, having played two games more - had hit the bar twice before the match went into extra-time, through Nikita Parris and Beckie.
“Beckie sending a dipping effort over was the only other attempt of note before penalties ensued and City were left celebrating.
“Things did not look good for Cushing’s team when Van Veenendaal saved Hemp’s penalty, but Bardsley saved the next spot-kick, from Leah Williamson, to keep the score at 1-1, then kept out Van de Donk’s effort, and Houghton and Beckie subsequently made no mistake.”
Congratulations, Blues!
Of course, there won’t be a City fan inside Wembley who doesn’t expect Chelsea to come out all guns blazing after the Etihad thumping a fortnight ago.
And Chelsea’s skipper has told Sky Sports his team are desperate to avenge that loss.
Report Sky: “Cesar Azpilicueta says Chelsea are out for revenge over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final - just two weeks after their 6-0 humbling by Pep Guardiola‘s side.
“The two sides meet at Wembley on Sunday (kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football from 3.30pm) with Maurizio Sarri’s side determined to put their Premier League defeat at the Etihad behind them.
“Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Azpilicueta said: ‘Everyone must be hurt about what happened at the Etihad.’
“I think when you have this inside of yourself, you have to take it out, and we have the chance to get the revenge (on Sunday).
‘I don’t know if it suits us not to be favourites. After the last game (between the two sides) everybody expects different to what they’re used to when Chelsea are in a final.
‘But we are Chelsea, it is a final, two teams with one cup in the middle. We will try to get it.’
Meanwhile, in the red corner, enigmatic ex-United star Eric Cantona has had his say on the title race – and he is tipping the Blues.
Sport Review report: “Asked to predict the top four, Cantona told Paddy Power: ‘City, Liverpool, Tottenham, United.’
“The Manchester United legend then went on to discuss Liverpool FC’s impressive form along with Manchester City this season.
“He continued: ‘It hurts a lot. But they [City and Liverpool FC] play wonderful football. But now, if United had started the season 10 games ago, they would be top of the league.
‘City and Liverpool play nice attacking football, now and score plenty of goals, which is like Man United. They have the philosophy we did – enjoyment.’
Finally, few would argue Gary Neville has become one of the most respected pundits on TV.
The ex-Red always says what’s on his mind and clearly admires the way Pep Guardiola’s men go about their business.
The MEN write: “Neville believes the way City turned it on for three recent important fixtures is indicative of their desire to win trophies this season, and while they’ll do so on Sunday.
‘It felt like they stepped up in the gears when they beat Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal a few weeks ago,’ Neville said on Sky Sports.
‘They started to step up and there was a recognition that they had to pick up nine points there. They now have a trophy to win on Sunday and they have the Champions League as well.
‘It’s the time of the season in which Guardiola will come alive. It feels to me that his players are coming alive as well. It’s all a little bit more serious.’
That’s all for this morning – tomorrow we’ll focus on what happens at Wembley later...
