Aston Villa will have a tough task of stopping Manchester City from winning their third Carabao Cup in a row. Guardiola’s men produced a masterful performance for most parts against Real Madrid in the Champions League, and Dean Smith will be aware that they will need to be at their very best to have any chance of causing an upset.
The Villans are going through a bad run of form. Many would expect a straightforward win for City. A win though for Villa here would give a huge mental boost in the relegation battle they are currently in. Smith had lashed out at his players after their last defeat to Southampton. It remains to be seen how the players would respond to such a public backlash from their manager. Villa have not won a domestic honour for more than two decades now, and the League Cup final will be a massive opportunity for them.
Team News: Anwar El Ghazi took a blow to the head in the last encounter, but he should be alright to feature in this final. Keinan Davis is closing in on a return, but he is unlikely to be available for the weekend’s clash. John McGinn might be ready in time to start, but it could go either way. Jed Steer, Tom Heaton and Wesley Moraes are long term absentees at the moment.
3-4-3 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Manchester City
Formation (3-4-3)
Defence
Pepe Reina is someone who has been part of Cup finals before, and his experience will be valuable to this Villa side. He is expected to start in goal. Tyrone Mings will feature in the heart of the defence. Kortney Hause is likely to begin in the left-sided centre back position. Ezri Konsa will start from the right to complete the back three for Smith.
Midfield
Matt Targett is more or less a nailed-on starter in the left wing-back role. He will often have to fall back deep to defend against a rampaging City side. Douglas Luiz has come under the scanner for some performances, but he might be able to retain his place in the starting eleven in midfield. If McGinn recovers, then he could get a start as well. Danny Drinkwater could start ahead of Marvelous Nakamba in the middle. Frederic Guilbert is expected to feature on the right flank.
Attack
Jack Grealish could write his name in Villa’s history books if he leads his side to a win in the final. He will start on the left flank. Anwar El Ghazi is likely to begin over Trezeguet on the right. Mbwanna Samatta should lead the line in this encounter.
