Carabao Cup 2020-21: Arsenal vs Man City Prediction

Mikel Arteta will be against his old boss Pep Guardiola as Arsenal take on Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the EFL (Carabao Cup) clash. 

The Arsenal manager has had one of the worst possible starts as a manager this season and he would hope that his team can come out differently in this cup fixture. 

The Cityzens have also been underwhelming this season, drawing two of their last three games and their win against the Saints wasn’t a convincing one too. City have managed to fire only 19 goals this season in the English top-flight, much lesser than what they achieved in the 17/18, 18/19, and 19/20 seasons. 

Having won back-to-back Carabao Cups in recent years, Manchester City would try to get back their rhythm by proving themselves in the competition again.  

Recent Form: 

Arsenal knocked out the fiery Reds on penalties in the fourth round of the competition but since then a lot has happened at the Emirates. 

Losses against Tottenham, Everton, Burnley, Wolves, and Aston Villa have disrupted their momentum and exacerbated the pressure but their display against Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees was still a better performance from the Gunners despite the scoreline.  

Manchester City are unbeaten in the last eight games in all competitions and their performances in the EFL Cup have been exceptional, winning the title for the last three seasons. A loss against the Gunners in last year’s FA Cup semi-final would still be fresh in Pep’s mind and he would hope that this team his team comes on top. 

Arsenal vs Manchester City: Team News 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been ruled out for Arsenal, a big blow for Arteta due to a calf problem. Thomas Partey is yet to recover from his injury that he sustained in the North London derby. Xhaka is still suspended, while Gabriel will be back. 

Alexander Lacazette is likely to start up front alongside Gabriel Martinelli, whose presence may or may not be seen. 

There are doubts about Aguero’s fitness and the Argentine is still not ready for 90 minutes. Gabriel Jesus missed out the game against the Saints too due to a dental issue. Aymeric Laporte is out again with a muscle issue, while Eric Garcia is yet to recover from the injury he sustained against Marseille in the Champions League. 

Arsenal vs Man City Prediction:

It is a tough game to predict. Arsenal have come out more freely in the cup games than they have managed in the league but their opponents are the defending champions for the past two seasons. 

The game is expected to be a tight one with both teams trying to play with a slow tempo. However, if the Cityzens manage to get an early goal, things may speed up. 

Sportco predicts Manchester City to win.