Carabao Cup
Burton Albion vs Manchester City
- Date: Jan. 23, 2019
- Time: 2:45 p.m. (est)
- Network: ESPN+
- Location: Staffordshire, England
- Venue: Pirelli Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 6, 912
In a possible transition game for Manchester City, Burton Albion will try to give their fans some joy with a win at home.
However, the Citizens’ 9-0 lead over the League One (third-tier) side will help tune up some fringe players that have seen little action this season.
Views From Both Camps
Burton boss Nigel Clough says scoring a goal against Premier League champions Manchester City would be a “wonderful achievement”.
“It will be about little milestones, and pride of course,” said Clough.
“If one of our players could score against one of the best teams in Europe then that would be a milestone for us.”
He added: “And it would be a wonderful individual milestone for whoever got a goal.”
Meanwhile, Pep Guaridola is happy to have left-back Benjamin Mendy after two-month absence due to injury. Additionally, he looks forward to give youngsters some game time.
“I miss him a lot,” said Guardiola. “I have a feeling he can give us something extra and hopefully in the last part of the season, we can use him.
“When he pushes from the outside, he is unstoppable and especially in the last third. He is so clever.”
“Some players need rhythm and are going to play,” said Guardiola.
“We are going to play some youngsters and some will be on the bench. Two or three will play and two, three or four will be on the bench, but Kevin is going to play.”
Possible Lineup
Burton starting XI: Bywater; McFadzean, Turner, Brayford, McCrory; Miller, Quinn, Fox; Akins, Boyce, Cole.
Manchester City starting XI: Muric; Danilo, Otamendi, Stones, Mendy; Foden, Gundogan, B. Silva, Sane, Jesus, Mahrez.
Prediction
There’s only one previous meeting between Burton and Man City. For the competition, this was the biggest ever margin of victory in a semifinal of English cup.
Nevertheless, Burton have won their last two League Cup ties against Queens Park Rangers in 2014-15 and Burnley this season.
However, Pep’s Boys are far better in all categories and will likely take the foot off the accelerator while also keeping the match competitive.
Burton Albion 1 – 1 Manchester City
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