Xavi believes both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will be taking their midweek EFL Cup game very seriously.

United renew hostilities with City in a midweek derby, having already suffered a 2-1 loss to their arch-rivals in the Premier League in September.

Pep Guardiola's City head to Old Trafford in the midst of a five-game winless run in all competitions.

Xavi, however, believes his former boss will still lead City to Premier League glory in 2016-17.

"Both coaches are going to want to win this game," said Xavi. "I don't believe this is a competition they will not take seriously.

"Pep will not be worrying, that's not his way - but he will not have been happy with recent results - and a good win against the biggest rivals could put them on a good run again.

"Pep will also want to win his first competition with City, that will be important for him. Even with City dropping some points in the league, I still think under Pep they'll be champions this season."