Carabao Cup final: Chelsea vs Manchester City: Preview and prediction
Chelsea will be playing against Manchester City tomorrow in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Chelsea have been going through a tough phase lately and a trophy will give them the upliftment they immediately require. However, considering that City recently dismantled them with a 6-0 scoreline, it will be a huge challenge for the Blues. Here's our match preview.
How are Chelsea looking ahead of the encounter?
If Chelsea win, this will be their sixth League Cup victory. Pedro and Davide Zappacosta are doubtful to appear in the match as they are suffering from injuries. Kepa's presence is also doubtful after he suffered a hamstring injury prior to their Europa League match. Willy Caballero, former Manchester City custodian, can feature between the posts if Kepa remains unavailable.
Are City prepared for the challenge?
John Stones and Gabriel Jesus' conditions are pretty doubtful, but there is a chance of them starting the match from the bench tomorrow. Benjamin Mendy, with his knee injury, also remains doubtful. City, like Chelsea, have also won the League Cup five times, with Liverpool being the only one to win the competition more than them - eight times.
Who will be the key players in the match tomorrow?
For Chelsea, Hazard's form will surely play a crucial role, as will be Barkley's performance. Gonzalo Higuain should step up to the occasion and make a mark with a goal tomorrow. Manchester City have been in tremendous form, and Sergio Aguero will again be their main man for scoring goals. Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling will be the other crucial players.
Predicted lineup and TV listing
Chelsea: Caballero; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso; Jorginho, Kante, Barkley; Willian, Higuain, Hazard. Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Sane, Aguero, Sterling. The match is scheduled to kick-off from 10:00 PM and can be live-streamed on Jio TV.
How can the match turn out to be?
Manchester City are the clear favorites in the match and they will, of course, be at an advantage tomorrow considering their brilliant form. Sergio Aguero recently scored a hat-trick against Chelsea and another thunderous performance can be expected from the Argentine striker. Chelsea will be ready to put up a stiff challenge to City after their 6-0 humiliation. We predict 3-1 to City.
What should be the ideal Fantasy XI for the match?
Choose Ederson as the goalkeeper keeping a 4-3-3 formation in mind. David Luiz and Rudiger can be the center-backs while Walker and Zinchenko can be the left and right backs respectively. Jorginho, De Bruyne, and Barkley can be the midfielders while Hazard, Aguero, and Sane tale up attacking roles.
