Manchester City have an unbelievable record in the EFL Cup under Pep Guardiola, with the Citizens having landed the trophy in the past four seasons. The Spaniard clearly loves to win silverware and his big squad means that top-class players that aren’t quite making it into the first team can go out and strut their stuff in this competition.
That includes the likes of Cole Palmer who has recently broken into the squad and he will be joined by some more recognised names for this clash, including the likes of John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez. Nevertheless, it represents a fairly tricky tie at the last sixteen stage.
David Moyes will want his team to go out and be competitive, although a slight drawback for the Hammers is the fact that they have Europa League engagements this season and this means that the majority of first-team players are sure to be rested on this occasion. However, it could still be a competitive battle.
We think that the draw represents better betting value than the away win on this occasion. It’s got a great chance of landing providing that David Moyes isn’t too prepared to make the team the sacrificial lamb on this occasion.
BETTING VERDICT
Draw