A grey cloud looms heavily over Manchester after what has been a poor weekend for the city's two biggest football clubs.

Manchester City drew in a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Southampton, meaning the Sky Blues have failed to win in their previous five fixtures - something not many would have seen coming considering their blistering start to the season under new manager Pep Guardiola.

It was Manchester United, however, who had the worst of it, as the Red Devils slumped to an embarrassing 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The manner of the defeat shocked many, including manager Jose Mourinho.

Seemingly written in the stars, the two clubs now face each other tomorrow night after in the EFL Cup's Round of 16. City make the short trip to Old Trafford for what will be a evening to remember, or to forget, for either side.

But who will come out on top? We think it is Guardiola's men who have the upper hand, especially if the Etihad Stadium gaffer selects this starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Claudio Bravo

Chile international Claudio Bravo has been far from convincing since his summer move from Barcelona, which saw poor Joe Hart shipped to the continent for his Italian sabbatical. However - unfortunately some may say - he is the best City have to offer as it stands. A big performance is needed to warrant his inclusion and to win over the City fans.

Defence

Nicolas Otamendi

Another one of the weekend's disaster performances came from John Stones who, unlike Bravo, has enjoyed an excellent season so far. Leaving him out will do little for his confidence, and hence Stones should be partnered alongside Nicolas Otamendi - who replaces Vincent Kompany. The Belgian needs to be eased back into first-team action following a long spell on the side lines.

Joining them in back three - a formation becoming ever-more popular in the Premier League - is Alexander Kolarov. While not a centre-half by trade, the full-back is more than capable of doing a job if he can prevent himself from venturing forward too often.

Midfield

Nolito

IManchester City always look more solid with Brazilian duo Fernandinho and Fernando partnering each other in midfield, and that fact doesn't change now Pep Guardiola is in charge. Ilkay Gundogan looks a liability in the middle and cannot provide the solidity of either of the Brazilians.

Leroy Sane - perhaps City's best bit of business (bar Spaniard Nolito) during the summer transfer window - starts out wide right. The young prodigy is a defender's worst nightmare when running with the ball, as he is more than capable of beating his man and delivering excellent service into the box.

On the opposing flank is that man Nolito. Yes, Raheem Sterling has been excellent, but so has the Spain international and his lack of game time is surprising considering the impact he's made as a starter and a substitute this season.

That leaves space for two attacking midfielders - which is no easy choice considering the plethora of talent the club have at their disposal. Kevin De Bruyne - a now Balon D'or nominee - is a must-start.

His partner? Unlikely to will happen, but outcast Fabian Delph should be given his chance to shine. Excellent at Aston Villa and indeed for England, the gifted midfielder hasn't had much of a look-in since Guardiola took the helm.

Striker

iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho. 'Why not Aguero?', you may ask. Well, firstly, the Argentine isn't in the best run of form (not that that negates his undoubted quality). Secondly, too often everything City seem to do with Aguero on the pitch goes through him, which can lead to them being one-dimensional in and around the opposition box. Thirdly, Iheanacho's goal record speaks for itself with 18 City strikes already - four coming this season.

Line-Up

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