By Karl Matchett
From 4 in a row to 2 off high
The energy in depth is what stored Metropolis aggressive on this competitors within the early a part of Guardiola’s tenure, with even modified groups nonetheless boasting hosts of internationals and big-money signings. It led to an unbelievable six League Cup trophies within the area of eight seasons, together with 4 in a row from 2016 to 2020. It additionally took Metropolis to joint-record holders alongside Liverpool with essentially the most wins within the competitors – however the depth now maybe isn’t fairly what it was in that individual interval.
Metropolis haven’t made the ultimate in what shall be 5 years come the Wembley date later this season, with Liverpool profitable twice extra in that interval to reestablish supremacy on this second-tier match. But when profitable the League Cup shouldn’t be on the listing of necessities for homeowners, big-club coaches have seen it as a springboard to larger successes. After final yr’s fall from grace you may be positive Guardiola and his squad would like to kickstart issues by profitable the EFL Cup in March 2026.
A who’s who of almost made it
Opponents and hosts Swansea have greater issues on their thoughts than an inconceivable run to Wembley proper now. One other middling marketing campaign thus far of hit-and-miss soccer leaves them in bang common territory: Championship midtable, thirteenth, zero objective distinction, as many matches gained as drawn…as misplaced.
The squad speaks to a set of could-have-beens and almost-men, once-young-hopefuls and profession journeymen. There’s nothing of disgrace or disrepute in that – these gamers are a single step away from the elite. However, the shortcoming of the modern-day Swansea aspect is maybe that nearly all of them have all the time been a step away from that.
Jay Fulton managed 11 video games one season within the Premier League, however was by no means a daily till the second tier beckoned. Josh Tymon couldn’t crack it with Stoke till they had been relegated. Ben Cabango didn’t break via till after Swansea went down. Cameron Burgess has but to play a top-flight sport anyplace and Ethan Galbraith debuted for Man United, however had by no means even performed Championship degree league motion till this yr. On-loan Malick Yalcouyé will hope in time to interrupt that pattern however he’s but to debut for Brighton.
Latest type
Swansea have two wins, two attracts and two defeats in six. Man Metropolis had gained 5 of six previous to the weekend however misplaced at Aston Villa.
Crew information
Ricardo Santos is lacking for the hosts, with Rodri and Rayan Aït-Nouri out for the guests.
Key participant
Omar Marmoush has simply returned so ought to begin right here and is a matchwinner: over the previous yr he’s high 82% for possibilities created, 92% for pictures and 70% for objectives in comparison with Europe’s most interesting.
Prediction
Nothing too intelligent about an away win actually: Swansea 0-3 Man Metropolis.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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