Chelsea v Manchester City - League Cup Final preview and odds

Published on: 24/02/2019

Chelsea v Manchester City - League Cup Final preview and odds

February 24, 2019 16:30pm - Wembley Stadium

League Cup Final

It`s the first domestic final of the season as Manchester City look to defend their crown against a Chelsea side still reeling from the 6-0 hammering they received when the two sides met in the Premier League just two weeks ago.

It is no surprise that Pep Guardiola`s men go into this as clear favourites. Odds of 6/10 may not look great value on paper, but based on recent form, they should not be ignored either.

City kick-off having won 13 of their last 14 in all competitions including a 3-2 midweek Champions League win at Schalke. They beat Oxford United, Fulham, Leicester City and Burton Albion on their way to the final, with only Leicester providing any real test.

A win would give Guardiola a fourth piece of silverware to add to the Premier League, League Cup and Community Shield titles he has already won.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will see this game as the perfect opportunity to gain revenge for the recent humiliation at the Etihad Stadium. Since then, they have progressed to the next phase of the Europa League, beating Malmo 5-1 on aggregate, but were knocked out of the FA Cup Manchester United.

Blues` boss Maurizio Sarri has been accused of stubbornness in his approach, but seems committed to getting his players in tune with his philosophy rather than compromising to them.

His insistence of perfecting a `Plan A` rather than resorting to a `Plan B` helped to produce Napoli`s highest ever points total during his time in Italy, and nearly knocked serial title winners Juventus off their perch. However, he might not be afforded the time to fully impose his mark at Stamford Bridge. One thing that might buy him some time is a trophy win, so this game could mark a crucial point in Sarri`s Premier League odyssey.

Recent form (League)

Chelsea: WLWLW

Manchester City: WWWWW

Betting odds and tips

If the price on a City win does not tempt you, look to the Goal Scorer markets where Sergio Aguero can be backed to find the net first at a price of 10/3. The Argentine has scored first seven times this season with four of those coming in the last eight games.

You can back Manchester City to Win at 6/10 and Sergio Aguero as First Goal Scorer at 10/3.

By Neil Morris