Pep Guardiola has a task of navigating to the Carabao Cup last four but also keeping his key players fit and rested for the upcoming Manchester Derby on Saturday. With the focus primarily on the quarter-final on the south coast, Guardiola has had little time to think about his plans for the United game and will need to consider the state of the squad. But the City boss has not been able to resist having some thoughts for the Old Trafford showdown.##NAJAVA_MECA_6938210##The former Bayern and Barcelona tactician hinted that he is already thinking up “ridiculous” ideas for the Manchester derby, even though he should only be thinking about tonight’s game.”I have a few ideas, thoughts – ridiculous ones – against United, but I still didn’t watch the last games. I have to see how they play at home and if they change something. I still have to review it. That is why I don’t have a clear line-up against United.”Pep declared midfielder Kalvin Phillips ready and will likely hand the former Leeds United man his first start for the club tonight.🗣️ “I know they’re in a difficult position, a new manager. We have to try to impose our guy to try and win. We want to come back to reach the semi-final.”Pep Guardiola on facing a struggling Southampton. pic.twitter.com/C50XsnD3sC— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 10, 2023 Phillips has undergone shoulder surgery in September and has only made four substitute appearances for City before the World Cup. Following the tournament in Qatar, Guardiola then said the 27-year-old had returned overweight and not in condition to train or play. But he is ready now.Southampton will be without Armel Bella-Kotchap and Stuart Armstrong against Manchester City. Both players were absent from Saturday’s win at Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Cup as a result of injury.Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton meet in the last quarter-final, just a few days after they enjoyed vastly different FA Cup travels. Forest were soundly beaten at third-tier Blackpool, while Wolved needed just a bit of luck to triumph at Anfield. With a place in the semis at stake, both teams will have to find the balance between the cup run and the Premier League survival they have to think about every other day.##NAJAVA_MECA_6938217##Manchester United and Newcastle United have already booked their places in the next round, for which the draw will be made late tonight, after the match at Saint Mary.EFL CUPQuarter-finalTuesdayMan.Utd. – Charlton 3-0 (1-0)/Antony 21, Rashford 90, 90+3/Newcastle – Leicester 2-0 (0-0)/Burn 60, Joelinton 72/Wednesday22.45: (2.75) Nott.Forest (3.00) Wolverhampton (2.80)23.00: (10.0) Southampton (6.00) Man.City (1.27)***odds are subject to change
