EFL or Carabao Cup is a competition that is not so important to “major players” in Premier League. Tradition and importance are held by the nation’s FA Cup, the oldest national football competition in the world. Premier League is the most important competition to an average English fan, and there is no need to explain that statement further. Prizes are also better, and the FA Cup gives the winner a chance to compete in next season’s Europa League, while the Premier League naturally allows the clubs to play in the UEFA Champions League. EFL Cup gives the winner a place in Conference League, a third-wheel UEFA competition, and still not valued by the majority of football fans (except Roma’s).
Managers usually use these matches to give a chance to some young prospects or benched players to show their talent and flair, to compete for first the team. Some new Phil Foden or Reece James can show why big teams are counting on them and investing in their development. Oh, and also, the draw always makes life difficult for some managers. This round did that to Pep Guardiola and Graham Potter, as Man City will play as a host this Wednesday to Chelsea.
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If there is a new nickname for this generation of City players, it should be “Invincibles.” Despite the fact that they just can’t seem to lose a game (disregard Salah’s magic in the middle of October, that is just the exception that proves the rule), they are winning those games in style. Fulham’s game showed us that they are a force, even with a man down. Cancelo’s mistake was an awful and mindless one. Let’s approach that situation like this: Ake made an error that gave an opportunity to Harry Wilson to make a run for City’s goal, protected by – Ederson, who is one of the best goalies in the league. And even if Harry scored in that attempt, making it 1 -1, who in their right mind could say that De Bruyne, Silva, Gundogan, or Alvarez wouldn’t score more for City? That penalty was, in the absence of a better word, a silly one, which left the team without probably the best offensive full-back in the world.
If Kevin Feige (president of Marvel studios) needs a new character for his superhero franchise, he shouldn’t look for anyone other than Erling Haaland. Pep’s game-changer entered the pitch in the second half and scored a penalty in the stoppage time. More importantly, Fulham was clinging to that draw like a drowning man for his breath even though City was a man down. That sort of winner mentality makes Pep’s team invincible.
Chelsea, on the other hand – not so much. The game against Arsenal showed that Potter is just waiting for the World Cup break and winter’s transfer window. The squad is massacred with poor judgment and decisions during the summer, combined with the current medical report. James, Kante, and Fofana got company in their medical room with the likes of Kepa and Ben Chilwell. Without a starting goalkeeper, left and right wingbacks, central defender, and defensive midfielder, you can say that losing 0-1 to the 2nd best offense in the league is not so bad. What is bad is losing that edge in their own offense. They were never a real threat to Arsenal’s defense, and there was not a player with an idea of how to put the ball behind Ramsdale.
And now they will go to face City. Both teams have advanced in the Champions League and have some selection problems. Pep made a statement to the press in which he stated:
“He will not play if I smell this. I’m really good at smelling this. Tactics not, but smelling, I’m really good,”
This warning was aimed at players who are not fully committed and trying to save themselves for the World Cup. Coincidentally, Phil Foden hasn’t started any Premier League match since that statement, even with his killer form displayed in 3 goals against Man United, a goal, and an assist against Southampton.
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What can we expect?? Pep will have some “new kids from the block” from the first minute, with a possible change of the goalkeeper as well. But don’t think that he will expect less than a win from them. Potter will have to change his team as well, but due to the fact that he will have to rest them for the match against spectacular Newcastle, who is placed 3rd in the league, and the venue will be St. James Park. Chelsea is set in the 7th place, and not getting a win before the World Cup break would put a lot of pressure on the manager and players. That makes City clear favorites, even with the likes of Rico Lewis, Sergio Gomez, or Cole Palmer in the starting lineup.
Regardless of who will be the winner, let the knockout of big names in this season’s Carabao Cup start!
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