Manchester City will face Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night in a Premier League Cup quarter-final showdown.
Manchester City easily beat Swansea City 3-1 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
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While Premier League and Champions League success is usually the focus at the Etihad Stadium, the Carabao Cup remains of great significance to Pep Guardiola’s side given their rich history in the competition.
Manchester City have dominated the competition, lifting the trophy six times in eight seasons between 2014 and 2021.
However, they have not won since defeating Tottenham in the 2021 final and have failed to reach the quarter-finals in recent years.
That makes tonight’s game an important milestone, especially as City have won the trophy after each of their last six quarter-final wins.
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Guardiola’s squad has rotated well so far, leading City to comfortable wins over Huddersfield Town and Swansea City. The home side also come into the game on the back of five consecutive wins in all competitions.
Manchester City coolly beat profligate Crystal Palace 3-0 in the Premier League and are confident of extending their winning streak at the expense of another London club.
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Guardiola is expected to name a more rotating squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup showdown, with a home game against West Ham United in mind next weekend.
James Trafford is likely to return to the starting XI for the first time since the 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
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There should be changes at the back, although Nico O’Reilly may reprise his role.
With John Stones struggling with injury, Nathan Ake returns to the starting XI for the first time in over a month.
Abdulkodir Kusanov should join the out-of-favour centre-back at the heart of the defence, with Rico Lewis at right-back.
Tijani Reynders should start in midfield with Savinho, Rayan Cerki, Oscar Bobu and Bernardo Silva ahead of him.
With Omar Mamouch flying to the Africa Cup of Nations, Erling Braut Haaland should take the lead.