Follow live coverage as Manchester City face Watford in the EFL Cup.
City had something of a monopoly on this competition up until 2021, winning five out of six finals to that point and six in total between 2014 and 2021. It’s approaching four years since their last appearance in the final, however, so Pep Guardiola and his trophy-winning machine will no doubt be keen to find themselves in the latter stages of the Carabao Cup once more.
Standing in their way as their first challenge is Watford, with the Championship side eighth in their table after three wins from six so far. They have already knocked out MK Dons and Plymouth, but naturally face a mammoth challenge to go any further – even though City are likely to rotate heavily, following on from a huge tussle in an eventual 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the weekend.
Follow live updates from today’s game in the live blog below.
Manchester City vs Watford
Substitution, Manchester City. Jacob Wright replaces Nico O’Reilly.
Manchester City vs Watford
Attempt missed. Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Kyle Walker.
Manchester City vs Watford
Attempt blocked. Savinho (Manchester City) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Phil Foden.
Manchester City vs Watford
Savinho (Manchester City) hits the left post with a right footed shot from the right side of the box following a fast break.
Manchester City vs Watford
Attempt blocked. Giorgi Chakvetadze (Watford) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Manchester City vs Watford
Attempt saved. Phil Foden (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Savinho.
Manchester City vs Watford
Attempt missed. Kwadwo Baah (Watford) right footed shot from the centre of the box following a fast break.
Manchester City vs Watford
Foul by Kwadwo Baah (Watford).
Manchester City vs Watford
Attempt missed. Matheus Nunes (Manchester City) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top right corner.
Manchester City vs Watford
Attempt blocked. Savinho (Manchester City) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Rico Lewis.