Verdict: Manchester City win and both teams to score
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: Bet365
After taking the scalps of four Premier League sides on route to the semi-final, Bristol City still remain in contention for a spot in the EFL Cup final.
Bristol City
Although the Robins may certainly be going through a poor run of form, Lee Johnson’s side will certainly remain confident of pulling off another seismic upset. Despite going 1-0 up at the Etihad a fortnight ago, Bobby Reid’s first-half penalty was canceled out by Kevin De Bruyne, before Sergio Aguero snatched a last-gasp winner. After already knocking out four Premier League sides on route to the semi-final, Bristol City will be looking to channel a similar performance that saw them collect the scalp of Manchester United in the quarter-finals. For the Robins, Johnson’s Championship high-flyers have shown some recent struggles since famously seeing off Mourinho’s men last month. With just one win in their last eight appearances, last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Derby ended Bristol City’s four-game losing run. After dropping down to fifth in the table, the Robins are now chasing down a five-point deficit on the automatic promotion spots.
Team News
Bristol City duo Frank Fielding and Nathan Baker will both have late fitness tests, with goalkeeper Fielding suffering with a groin injury, while defender Baker has an ankle problem.
Manchester City
As for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, the Citizens were able to immediately bounce back from their first Premier League defeat against Liverpool earlier this month. Last weekend, the runaway Premier League leaders were back to their attacking best as they were able to come away with a 3-1 win over Newcastle. Although the Citizens will not be able to go the whole season unbeaten, Guardiola’s side still remain in contention to pull of a clean sweep of domestic silverware. Still sat top of the Premier League table, City now have a 12 point buffer over Manchester United, the Citizens have now won four of their last five in all competitions, scoring 15 times in those last five apperances.
Team News
City are still without Fabian Delph for the trip to Ashton Gate. The England midfielder, who has successfully switched to left-back this season, has a knee problem. Zinchenko or Danilo will play in the position.
However, captain Vincent Kompany (calf) remains doubtful, while striker Gabriel Jesus (knee), midfielder Phil Foden (ankle) and defender Benjamin Mendy (knee) are all unavailable.
Key Factors to Consider
- Bristol City have won just once in their last eight games against City in all competitions (D2 L5), losing each of the last three.
- The Robins have scored 12 goals in their six matches against Premier League opposition this season.
- Man City have progressed from two of their previous three League Cup semi-finals in which they’ve won the first leg, the exception being against United in 2009-10.
- Bristol City have scored in 89% of their last nine competitive home matches, but have only kept a clean sheet in 11% of them.
- Pep Guardiola’s side have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches.
Conclusion
Although Bristol City may enter Tuesday’s semi-final second leg out of form, manager Lee Johnson has reiterated that his side goes out and play with no fear. Bristol City have scored in eight of their last nine competitive home games and netted two against Manchester United. Although we expect City to have too much firepower for the Championship side, we do feel Lee Johnson’s men will test City’s defensive unit as they did in the first leg. After shipping four against Liverpool in their dramatic defeat, Guardiola’s side have also begun to show some defensive frailties. Man City haven’t kept a clean sheet in five competitive games now, with Watford, Burnley, Bristol City, and Newcastle all scoring against them as well.
Verdict: Manchester City win and both teams to score
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: Bet365
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