Manchester United vs Middlesbrough: Preview, TV channel info, Team News, Prediction, Betting odds

Manchester United have never lost a fourth-round home tie in the League Cup

Manchester United are set to entertain Middlesborough at Old Trafford in a Capital One Cup fixture on Wednesday night. Although United boss Louis van Gaal has prioritized winning the Premier League title this season, the Red Devils will continue with their campaign to win this competition for the first time since the 2009/10 season.

On the other hand, the visitors last lifted the League Cup in 2004 under the management of Steve McClaren. Middlesbrough made a remarkable 3-1 comeback against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday to put an end to their three-match winless run in the Championship.

With both teams riding high in their own respective leagues, this could be a good opportunity, especially for Van Gaal to pick up his first piece of silverware of his tenure at Old Trafford, given the fact that rivals Chelsea and Arsenal crashed out of the competition last night.

Kickoff and Telecast

Date & Time: Wednesday, 28 October 2015 – 20:00 (Thursday – 1:30 AM IST)

Venue: Old Trafford

Telecast: Ten Action

Team News

Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia is reported to be out for the match with a foot injury he picked during the Manchester derby. Besides Valencia, the 20-time English champions will be without Paddy McNair and long-term injury victim Luke Shaw.

Middlesbrough will breathe a sigh of relief as winger Stewart Downing has been declared fit to play despite suffering from a knock to the ribs. However, the North-East outfit will miss the presence of Albert Adomah and Adam Forshaw in midfield as both players are out with injuries. Manchester City loanee Bruno Zuculini could be handed a debut by club manager Aitor Karanka.

Probable Lineups

Manchester United: De Gea; Darmian, Jones, Blind, Rojo; Carrick, Schneiderlin, Depay, Lingard, Pereira; Wilson

Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos; Kalas, Ayala, Gibson, Friend; Leadbitter, Clayton, Fabbrini; De Pena, Downing; Nugent

Form

United and rivals City both shared a point each at the end of the Manchester derby on Sunday. Their Red Devils’ underwhelming performances at home could start to worry Van Gaal, despite conceding only one goal in six domestic games at the Theatre of Dreams so far this term.

Last 5 games: W-L-W-D-D (Last match: Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City)

‘Boro come into this game on high spirits having made a remarkable 3-1 comeback at the weekend against Wolves and are currently sitting fourth in England’s second-tier table.

Last 5 games: W-L-D-L-W (Last match: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-3 Middlesbrough)

Key Stats

• Manchester United have never lost a home fourth-round tie, winning 12 and drawing two.
• Boro have been eliminated in five of their last six League Cup meetings against Premier League opposition. Their last League Cup game against a top-flight side ended in a 14-13 penalty shoot-out loss to Liverpool.
• The two sides have met in five ties previously in the League Cup, including a semi-final in 1992. They most recently met in the competition in 2008/09, with United winning 3-1 at Old Trafford in the third round.

Prediction

United’s Dutch coach will be hoping his players respond to the dull goalless scoreline at the weekend and give the home crowd something to cheer for with a win. Van Gaal could capitalize on the elimination of two Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea from the competition and this could serve as a glorious opportunity to pick up his first silverware at United.

Predicted score: Manchester United 3-0 Middlesbrough

Betting Odds (bet365)

Manchester United – 2/5

Draw – 4/1

Middlesbrough – 8/1