Competition/Round: 2018/19 EFL “Carabao” Cup – Round 3
Date/Time: Oxford United vs Manchester City – Tuesday, 25 September 2018, 19:45 (UK & Nigeria); 14:45 EST, 11:45 PST (USA); 23:45 IST (India)
Venue: Kassam Stadium, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Match Officials:
Referee: Roger East
Assistants: Simon Beck, Andrew Garratt
Fourth Official: Scott Duncan
TV Info: N/A
Live Stream: ESPN+ (USA)
Radio: BBC Radio Manchester (UK)
Preview:
Having finished 16 out of 24 places during the 2017/18 League One season, Oxford United have struggled at the start of this season. The Yellows have played nine games this season, where they have only won once. Their other results saw them draw two and they lost their remaining six matches. Moreover, they have scored nine goals and have conceded nineteen. Based on these statistics, it is apparent the Yellows are off to a poor start.
Now, as they shift focus from League One to the EFL Cup, Oxford United will host Manchester City. Although the visitors will be heavily favored in this match, anything is possible in a cup competition.
As for Manchester City, the visitors have continued their remarkable run from last season. Over their past six English Premier League matches, the Blues have scored nineteen goals whilst only conceding three. Following their most recent dominant performance over the weekend, the Mancunian club will hope to replicate this success in the third round of the EFL Cup (also known as the Carabao Cup).
Team News:
Oxford United will have a fully-fit squad available for this match.
Manchester City are still without the injured Kevin De Bruyne, Claudio Bravo, and Benjamin Mendy.
Possible Lineups:
Oxford United
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Mitchell; Norman, Nelson, Mousinho, Garbutt; Hanson, Baptiste; Whyte, Henry, Holmes; Smith
Manager: Karl Robinso
Manchester City
Formation: 4-3-3
Muric; Danilo, Kompany, Otamendi, Zinchenko; B. Silva, Gündoğan, Foden; Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Prediction:
Oxford United have struggled at the start of this season, as they currently sit in 23 place out of 24 spots in League One. Yet despite this poor start, the Yellows can put these performances behind them and turn to history as they hope to achieve a potential upset. Wigan Athletic surprised Manchester City last season, as a red card and a goal scored on a counterattack helped them earn a 1-0 victory. This match demonstrated that a physical and well-composed side are capable of overcoming the Premier League team. Moreover, should Oxford Untied hope to win this match, they will need to frustrate their opposition.
Manchester City must be equally prepared to face their opposition in this match, albeit for other reasons. They cannot take anything for granted, as complacency would surely see them bow out of the competition. Whilst it is predicted City manager Pep Guardiola will field a weaker side in this match, it is expected this team will finish the job and help the Mancunian club secure their place in the competition’s fourth round. Therefore, it is expected Manchester City will win this match by a comfortable score.
Oxford United 1-4 Manchester City