The third round of the EFL Cup dishes up a tasty all-Premier League clash on Wednesday, with Manchester City hosting Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
The two sides are separated by 11 points in the top-flight table, with second-place Man City leading seventh-place Chelsea.
Can Pep Guardiola’s side extend their winning streak? Or will Chelsea bounce back from a couple of below-par results? Let’s take a closer look at the teams.
Man City head into Wednesday’s clash on a back of a 2-1 victory against Fulham. Joao Cancelo was sent off midway through the first half, before Erling Haaland scored a 95th-minute winner.
Haaland has now netted 23 goals in 17 games this term, including 18 in 12 Premier League outings. Will he open his EFL Cup account on Tuesday?
Pep Guardiola’s side have won each of their last three games in all competitions, scoring six goals while conceding just twice.
It is also worth noting that City have suffered a solitary defeat in 19 competitive matches this season, highlighting their strength in every department.
On the flip side, Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal last time out. The Blues achieved a solitary shot on target at Stamford Bridge, while the Gunners managed 14 attempts.
Graham Potter’s side have won just one of their last three games in all competitions, suffering two defeats along the way.
When you look at the bigger picture, they have only managed to claim two victories across their previous six outings in all competitions.
Let’s not forget that Chelsea made it all the way to the League Cup final last season. However, after a goalless draw, they ended up losing 11-10 to Liverpool on penalties.
Head-to-head: Man City and Chelsea have yet to meet in the Premier League this season. It is worth remembering, however, that City did the double over the Blues last term – sealing two 1-0 wins.
Believe it or not, the past 19 meetings between City and Chelsea have produced no draws, with City winning 11 times and Chelsea winning eight.
Team news: As we know, Cancelo is suspended for City after seeing red last time out. Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker remain sidelined due to injury.
As for Chelsea, they have N’Golo Kante, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Reece James absent through injury.
Granted, Chelsea reached last season’s League Cup final. But Man City should have enough firepower to knock the Blues out of the competition on Wednesday.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Manchester City will advance to the fourth round – scoring over 1.5 goals on their way to victory.