Carabao Cup final: Chelsea vs. Man City predictions, betting odds, TV channel

The 2019 Carabao Cup final will be played at Wembley Stadium on 24 February

(Image credit: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images)

By The Week Staff

published 22 February 2019

2019 Carabao Cup final

Who: Chelsea vs. Manchester City
When: Sunday 24 February
Where: Wembley Stadium, London
Kick-off time: 4.30pm (GMT)
TV channel: live on Sky Sports

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Paul Merson, Sky Sports: “I wish I could do this at 3.30pm on Sunday when I see the teams or at kick-off when I see the way Chelsea are going to set up. If they set up as they have done and play ‘Sarriball’, I would be shocked if it wasn’t at least 3-0 to Manchester City. Good managers change, that’s what they do, you don’t just go everywhere and play the same way, especially after losing 6-0 against the same team a few weeks ago. If they change the way they play, you never know in a cup final. But look at City with the team they played at Newport in the FA Cup. Pep Guardiola is ruthless. If they are 2-0 or 3-0 ahead against Chelsea with 25 minutes left to go, then he will want to get four or five. Prediction: Chelsea 0 Man City 3.”

Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport: “I think Chelsea will be better than they were when Manchester City beat them 6-0 at Etihad Stadium earlier this month, and this will be a much closer game. I don’t see City battering them again, but I do see Pep Guardiola’s side beating them. I just don’t think Chelsea are good enough defensively. City are obviously after bigger prizes, but the good thing about winning the Carabao Cup is that it is an early one in the bag. Even if Chelsea win, I don’t think it will be enough to save Maurizio Sarri’s job. It is not just working out for him, and the reaction of their fans to Monday’s defeat by Manchester United shows they have already made their minds up about him. Prediction: Chelsea 1 Man City 2.”

Michael Owen, Metro: “Chelsea have beaten City already this season 2-0 at Stamford Bridge but they were outclassed in the Community Shield in the season curtain-raiser at Wembley and suffered a humiliating 6-0 loss at the Etihad earlier in the month. I expect to see Chelsea raise their game back at Wembley and make it a final to remember, but I still back City to run out winners. Prediction: Chelsea 1 Man City 2.”

The Daily Telegraph: “The return to fitness of Kevin De Bruyne has afforded Pep Guardiola more scope for rotation in recent weeks, and City look fresher and pacier than their rivals as they approach the season’s final sprint. David Silva and Leroy Sane were not even in the team that vanquished Chelsea 6-0 in the league, and Sarri’s team are unlikely to spring any tactical surprises at Wembley. When two teams with similar styles and near-identical formations meet, the one with better players usually prevails and that points to another comfortable afternoon for the champions. Prediction: Chelsea 1 Man City 3.”

Louis Doré, i News: “Maurizio Sarri, the under pressure Chelsea boss, may have a few more nerves than his counterpart Pep Guardiola. Sarri has come under sustained criticism for his tactical inflexibility in the face of his side’s poor form and his admitted inability to motivate players. Guardiola, on the other hand, has a side confident in their tactical strengths and still competing in all four competitions for silverware. The bookmakers see them as favourites for the contest - but you can never write off the talent in this Chelsea side.”