Manchester City and Manchester United are without their star men for Saturday evening’s FA Cup semi-final clash. (kick-off 17.15 BST)
City’s bid to land a first major trophy in 35 years took a major hit on Monday night when influential captain Carlos Tevez was forced off during the Premier League defeat to Liverpool, and the Argentinian’s hamstring injury means he will not face his former employers at Wembley Stadium.
Manager Roberto Mancini will now decide between Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli up front, but the latter may find himself missing out after a poor display that saw him taken off after replacing Tevez in the 3-0 defeat.
Micah Richards could figure in City’s starting XI after making a swift return from a hamstring injury that had initially threatened to ruled him out of this match, while Nigel de Jong and David Silva are likely to be handed immediate recalls after being dropped at Liverpool.
Meanwhile, leading goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov may come into Manchester United’s starting XI with Wayne Rooney ruled out through suspension.
A ban also rules out Jonny Evans, while a virus continues to sideline midfielder Darren Fletcher, but Rafael da Silva has overcome his knee problem.
There could also be places in the Red Devils’ squad Wes Brown, Anderson and Michael Owen now that all three are back to full fitness.