Capital One Cup preview and odds: Manchester City vs Everton

Published on: 25/01/2016

Capital One Cup preview and odds: Manchester City vs Everton

January 27, 2016 19:45pm - Etihad Stadium

Capital One Cup Semi-final, Second-leg (Aggregate 1-2)

Manchester City and Everton will resume their battle for a place in the Capital One Cup final when they meet at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, with the away side holding a slender 2-1 advantage.

Home strength could be vital for City

Man City will be hoping that their strong home form can carry them over the line as they go in search of their fourth League Cup triumph. The last time they won this trophy (2014), they also bagged the Premier League trophy in Manuel Pellegrinis debut season.

If rumours are to be believed, the Chilean boss will be departing in the summer, and he will be keen to leave the club on a high note, with some more silverware in cabinet.

City were held to a 2-2 draw away to West Ham at the weekend, and prior to that they cruised to a 4-0 home win against Crystal Palace. When they played host to Everton in the Premier League at the beginning of January, the game finished goalless.

Everton looking to finish the job

Everton have suffered an alarming slide down the Premier League table, but they can still salvage something from their season by claiming their first ever League Cup trophy. The Toffees carry a 2-1 advantage going into the second leg and will now look to get the job done with a disciplined performance on Wednesday night.

The Merseyside club has twice been runners-up in this tournament, with their final appearance coming back in 1984 when they were beaten by neighbours Liverpool. Should they beat Manchester City, there is a chance that they could face their city rivals once again on the Wembley turf.

Roberto Martinezs men have won just one of their last ten matches in the league and come into this game on the back of a 1-2 defeat at home to struggling Swansea.

Team news

The home side will have to cope without the services of Aleksandar Kolarov, Eliaquim Mangala, Vincent Kompany and Samir Nasri, while Wilfried Bony remains a doubt.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Muhamed Besic and Kevin Mirallas who were both injured against Swansea.

Recent form (League)

Manchester City: DWDWD

Everton: LDDDL

Betting odds and tips

Everton managed to secure a draw at the Etihad in the league match earlier this month but overall their form has been poor. However, with little else left to play for, Roberto Martinez will be throwing everything at the cup competitions.

City are strong at home and have form in this tournament. They have an away goal to their name and should be able to overturn a one-goal deficit.

With extra-time a possibility, you can back City to qualify at 8/11 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 25/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (25/01/2016 13:50:01) but are subject to change.