Manchester City will look to make the Carabao Cup their own again when they take on Aston Villa in the final at Wembley this weekend. Another win will make it three League Cup titles in a row for the Citizens. The reigning champions are coming in this game on the back of a strong performance in the Champions League against Real Madrid.
Aston Villa are struggling to get going as they have lost their last three league games. Everyone would expect a straightforward City win and Villa will be massive underdogs going in this tie. City have defeated Villa twice in league games this season with an aggregate score of 9-1. However, funny things have happened before in football.
Dean Smith’s men will look for inspiration in history to mount a challenge against a formidable City lineup. However, Guardiola’s men looked sharp against Madrid, and they will be expected to see off anything that Villa throws at them.
Team News: Aymeric Laporte will be expected to miss out after he failed to complete the game against Real Madrid. Raheem Sterling is back fit and available. Leroy Sane is likely to be unavailable as he is not up to match speed even though he has resumed training.
4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Aston Villa
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Claudio Bravo has been City’s go-to man in the cup games, and we expect him to start over Ederson in goal. Oleksandr Zinchenko could get the nod to start at left-back after Benjamin Mendy played a frantic encounter against Real Madrid. Given the Frenchman’s injury track record, he might be rested. Nicolas Otamendi is expected to start in central defence. He is likely to be partnered by Fernandinho as John Stones has seemingly fallen down the pecking order. Kyle Walker should feature as the right back.
Midfield
Rodri is likely to start again in defensive midfield. David Silva will be expected to begin in the middle after he didn’t play in the last tie against Real Madrid. Kevin De Bruyne has been in terrific form, and he is likely to complete the midfield three for Guardiola.
Attack
Raheem Sterling only made a cameo appearance against Madrid. Hence, we expect him to start in this tie from the left-wing. Bernardo Silva could begin on the right flank in place of Riyad Mahrez. Gabriel Jesus produced an impressive and tactical performance in the Champions League tie. However, Sergio Aguero will likely get the nod to lead the line in this cup final.
