Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes shoots and scores his sides 2nd goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.Carl Recine | Pool via Associated Press

Man versus Man: Miller picks the Carabao Cup semi-final of Manchester United vs Manchester City

Manchester United vs. Manchester City starts at 3 p.m. EST and can be watched on ESPN+

Manchester Derby on tap to see which team gets Tottenham in EFL Carabao Cup Final

Both Manchester United and Manchester City are in an interesting spot Wednesday.

While the Cityzens are the three-time defending EFL Carabao Cup champions, they are dealing with some COVID-19 issues. Manchester United has this game, then Watford on the weekend, before a makeup match with Burnley in the Premier League that would see the Red Devils move into first place in the table for the first time in eons. By the way, that Burnley match Tuesday comes before a trip to Anfield to face the defending champions next Sunday.

Both of these teams know there is an opportunity to get to a final, with Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham waiting to try to break a 12-year trophy drought. But they also know that the Premier League title is up for grabs, and could take this opportunity to get ready for perceived “bigger” games.

I would like to see the two lineups first, but I am going to back Ole’s Tricky Reds to get one over on Pep today.

Check Fubo.tv for channel listings

ENGLAND EFL CARABAO CUP SEMI FINAL

Manchester United (+265) vs. Manchester City (+100), draw (+275), 3 p.m. EST (ESPN+)

THE PICKS:

Manchester United -1 AH (+650)

Over 2.75 goals (-115)

EFL