Pep Guardiola Sends Man City Stars Firm Warning Ahead of the Manchester Derby

• Pep Guardiola has expressed fear Man United could beat Man City in the Manchester derby following their recent defeat at Southampton
• City were unable to see off a Southampton side on Wednesday night at St. Mary's in the Carabao as they exited the tournament
• First-half goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo were enough to help the Saints see off the reigning champions

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has sent his charges a fiery warning ahead of their clash against rivals Man United.

The two English giants are set to lock horns in a Premier League cracker on Saturday, January 14, at Old Trafford.

The match comes at a time United are in top shape, with Erik ten Hag's men unbeaten in six of their most recent fixtures across all competitions.

Guardiola has now expressed fears that City have no chance against the Red Devils should they stage a similar performance as they did against Southampton in Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

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"Every game is different, different competition but of course, if you perform in this way we will not have a chance, in the moment they have and for many years they were looking for to stay in this position," Guardiola said via Metro UK.

"We know exactly what we have to do to play better and that’s what we are going to try to do," he added.

Man City eliminated from Carabao Cup

Meanwhile, City were humbled 2-0 during their trip to St. Mary's to face Southampton in the quarter-final round of the Carabao Cup.

Two first-half goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo were enough to eliminate City from the tournament.

Key Man City players were rested for the clash, with Guardiola opting for a much-changed side for the trip.

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And despite the introduction of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland after the break, the visitors were unable to find a breakthrough.

Pep hints Haaland, Alvarez partnership

Sports Brief earlier reported that Pep Guardiola said Haaland and Alvarez can play together after the frustrating draw against Everton, where he brought on the World Cup winner to pair the Norwegian up front.

The two players are different profiles of a striker, with Alvarez being able to also play as a winger or play off another striker as a second striker.

The Manchester derby could be a perfect opportunity for the Spanish tactician to unleash the two on United's World Cup winning centre back duo of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.