The Carabao Cup final takes place at Wembley tomorrow as reigning Premier League champions and Carabao Cup holders Manchester City face off against Aston Villa, who are currently embroiled in a fight for their Premier League survival.
City will undoubtedly go into the match as favourites; their squad is superior to Villa’s and they defeated Dean Smith’s side 1-6 just a handful of weeks ago, but in a one-off game like this, an upset is always possible.
Pep Guardiola’s side have already defeated the Villains twice this season; they defeated the Midlands side 3-0 at the Etihad in October, and then whitewashed them 1-6 at Villa Park, with Sergio Aguero hitting a hat-trick.
In terms of how both sides made the final, Villa defeated Crewe Alexandra, Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolves, Liverpool and Leicester City, while the Citizens overcame Preston North End, Southampton, Oxford United and Manchester United.
Recent form appears to favour City; Villa have lost their last three Premier League games while Guardiola’s side have won their last two and defeated Real Madrid in Champions League action this week.
City will be concerned about the possibility of Aymeric Laporte missing Sunday’s game after he was substituted with an injury during this week’s win over Real Madrid. Raheem Sterling is expected to be fit, but after staying home during the trip to Madrid, Leroy Sane remains a doubt.
Aston Villa have far more injury concerns than their opponents this weekend; striker Wesley and goalkeeper Tom Heaton are both out until next season with serious knee injuries, while key midfielder John McGinn has yet to recover from his broken ankle and will remain unavailable.- sportskeeda
