The first silverware of the football season will be decided on Sunday as Manchester City look to defend the trophy against Chelsea at Wembley.
City are in fine form, winning 13 of their last 14 games and they are odds-on to take win the League Cup once again, indeed they are well placed to make a tilt for an unprecedented Quadruple.
One of City’s recent wins was a 6-0 demolition of Chelsea, but boss Pep Guardiola insists not too much can be taken from that.
“They are incredible, professional players and they are proud,” said Guardiola. “They will give extra. At that moment, I was so happy to win 6-0, but now I would have preferred not to.
“In the game against us – you may not believe me – but they did incredible things.
“The first two goals were a mistake and when that happens it’s tough for the manager.”
In stark contrast to Guardiola, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is coming under increasing pressure with many believing he could very well lose.
And Sarri admits they are going through a tough period.
“We are in a difficult moment. We had problems with the fans in the last match at home. So it’s normal for the team to enter on to the pitch without confidence,” said the Italian.
“But I am really very happy with the application. It’s impossible to play with quality without confidence.”
We run through the game including predictions from former England, Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder Andy Gray, our own Football Insider Graeme Bailey and BoyleSports’ Lawrence Lyons.
Chelsea 16:30 Manchester City
Wembley
TEAM NEWS: Pep Guardiola has been using understudy goalkeeper Arijanet Muric in previous rounds and he must decide whether to field the Kosovan or bring in number one Ederson.
Benjamin Mendy and Gabriel Jesus are fit to return, but John Stones remains a doubt with a groinn problem.
Chelsea have doubts over Davide Zappacosta and Pedro, but goalkeeper Kepa should be OK despite a hamstring injury. Danny Drinkwater and Gary Cahill miss out.
MATCH ODDS: Chelsea 5/1 Draw 16/5 Man City 5/7
BoyleSports pick: Half Time Draw/Full Time Man City @16/5
ANDY SAYS: Just don’t see how Chelsea can beat City in this one, have to go with Pep’s boy to take silverware…1-3
GRAEME SAYS: Strange things happen in football, and Chelsea could win this – saying that, I don’t think they will…0-2
Football Index – One to follow: Kevin De Bruyne – Few better in the world, presents great value on the Index
