Chelsea v Man City Betting Tips: City to clinch first trophy of the season?
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Odds and Preview for Carabao Cup Final
The first trophy of the season is up for grabs this afternoon as Manchester City look to defend the Carabao Cup against Chelsea at Wembley.
City can tick off the first part of a potential quadruple if they lift the trophy. But winning here could have a bigger impact on Chelsea, who are a club in disarray at the moment.
Their players are struggling to deal with Maurizio Sarri’s tactics on the pitch. And they’ve just been banned from making new signings for the next two transfer windows.
With Sarri 1/4 favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave, a defeat could push him closer to the exit.
The big game gets started at 4:30pm on Sky Sports Football, but you can warm-up ahead of the action with all the pre-match odds and info…
Head-to-Head
City’s thrashed Chelsea 6-0 only two weeks ago. The gulf in class was clear as the champions went 4-0 up inside 25 minutes.
But Chelsea did beat City 2-0 in December. Their pressing and energy made the difference that day. They’ll need to get back to that level to have a chance here.
That was Chelsea’s only win over City in the previous five meetings, with the Manchester club coming out on top in the other four. All five of those games have ended with a win to nil.
Likely XIs
Leroy Sane’s sensational free-kick against Schalke may have earned him a starting spot alongside Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling in the City attack.
Vincent Kompany could also return to the starting XI, with John Stones a doubt. And with Benjamin Mendy still injured, Oleksandr Zinchenko should get the nod at left-back.
Despite Chelsea’s torment last time out against today’s opponents, Sarri isn’t expected to make too many changes. Emerson could come in for Marcos Alonso, but otherwise it’s likely to be the same side that lost at the Etihad.
Key Battles
Chelsea will try to implement Sarri’s passing style, but they need to move the ball much quicker if they’re going to break City down.
Pep Guardiola’s side will press relentlessly, sniffing out any weakness. If Jorginho can’t get the ball moving forwards, Chelsea could end up trapped in their own half.
When Chelsea do get a chance to break, City’s left flank could be a weak spot. Zinchenko fills in well, but he’s not a natural left-back. Pedro’s movement could get the better of him.
Match Odds
We’ve got City odds-on to win at 4/7 in 90 mins, with Chelsea a distant 19/4. It’s 3/1 for the scores to remain level and with no extra time, it’ll go straight to penalties.
It’s also 7/4 for the holders to beat Chelsea to nil twice in less than a month.
Aguero is 16/5 to follow up his recent hat-trick with the first goal here. He’s the same price for two or more goals too.
After a late winner against Schalke, Sterling is a 13/8 shot to score as well.
Chelsea have brought in Gonzalo Higuain to add a cutting edge. He’s 9/4 to net on the big stage.
The West London side have never lost when Eden Hazard has scored against Man City either. We go 12/5 that the winger gets on the scoresheet.
Click here for the latest Chelsea v Man City odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
