Manchester City takes the field this Wednesday, at 5 pm (Brasília time), to face Shouthampton at St Mary’s Stadium. The commitment is valid for the quarter-finals of the English League Cup, and will be decided in a single game.
To reach this stage of the competition, Pep Guardiola’s team had to overcome two “hardships” in the previous stages. In the third phase, they defeated Chelsea, by 2 to 0, and soon in the round of 16, they passed by Liverpool, after winning by the score of 3 to 2.
The Manchester team, which occupies second place in the Premier League, comes from a capital victory over Chelsea, for the FA Cup. Last Sunday’s match ended 4-0 for City, with two goals from Mahrez, one from Julián Álvarez and another from Phil Foden.
The Citizens will have only two absences already confirmed for the duel: defenders Laporte and Rúben Dias, both injured. In the current season, the club is looking for its ninth tournament title.
Southampton, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the English Championship, facing a tough confrontation ahead. The team has already faced Manchester City this season and, on that occasion, was defeated by 4-0. Before reaching the quarterfinals of the English League Cup, it left behind Sheffield Wednesday and Lincoln City.
The Saints’ recent record is also not the most encouraging: in the last 10 matches, there are six defeats, three draws and three defeats. In its entire history, the team has never won the national competition.
What does the regulation provide for in the event of a tie?
It is worth mentioning that, as the match is defined in a single match, the decision will go to penalties in case of a tie in regular time. From the semifinals onwards, the clashes are decided in home and away games, with the decision being played at the main stadium in the country, Wembley.
The winner of the English League Cup guarantees a place in the Conference League playoffs in the following season. If the winning team is already qualified for the tournament (or any other European competition) due to its placement in the Premier League, the place will be transferred to the seventh place in the national league.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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