With both Manchester City and Everton FC on fine form at the moment, we can expect an absolute belter of a game on Wednesday night. However, both the sides have their defensive frailties, which means that there could be a lot of goals in this fixture. It would be interesting to see who comes out on top, with Everton trying to set up a date with cross town rivals Liverpool FC for the final at Wembley.
Team News
Manchester City
Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Caballero; Clichy, Demichalis, Otamendi, Zabaleta; Fernando, Toure; Sterling, Silva, De Bruyne; Aguero.
Everton FC
Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Robles; Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Barry, McCarthy; Cleverley, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku.
Key Facts
- Manchester City have scored 10 goals in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Everton FC have conceded six goals in their last five matches in all competitions.
- The Toffees have a bit of a defensive problem, as 21 per cent of the attacks against them are made from their right flank.
- The Citizens have good wingers, but they do not send in crosses as often as the should, as crosses form only four per cent of the total number of passes made by Manuel Pellegrini’s team.
Prediction
Manchester City 2-2 Everton FC
Bdoth the sides have a bit of a problem in their defensive third, and are prone to conceding goals. With both the teams expeccted to play their second choice goalkeepers in the cup game, we could expect a goal-fest. Everton leads the proceedings right now, and might just have enough quality to make it through to set up a Liverpool Derby in the League Cup final at Wembley.
Odds (Paddy Power)
Manchester City: 1/2
Draw: 7/2
Everton FC: 5/1