Manchester City
vs
Bristol City
Kick-off
19:45 GMT
09 January 2018
This week has been full of cup action as the weekend was dedicated to the FA Cup but now, it’s time for the first legs of the EFL Cup semi-finals. The first one takes place at the Etihad where Manchester City, who are still in contention for the quadruple, face Championship side, Bristol City, who are looking to cause a huge upset.
These two sides have played just once in the 21st century and it was in this cup in 2007, Man City came out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Emile Mpenza and Rolando Bianchi either side of Bradley Orr’s equaliser. The situation is much different now as Man City are a much-improved side who now compete with Europe’s best while Bristol City are currently occupying the same league position than they were at the end of the season they were beaten by the Citizens.
With Man City expected to cruise through to the final, they will need to take a decent lead into the second-leg with Bristol City already proving that they can take the big boys at home. Gabriel Jesus and Benjamin Mendy are both injured and won’t play any further part in the EFL Cup campaign, even if their side make the final.
Latest matches: Manchester City
06.01.2018 | ![]() |
Manchester City | Burnley FC | 4:1 | W |
02.01.2018 | ![]() |
Manchester City | Watford FC | 3:1 | W |
31.12.2017 | ![]() |
Crystal Palace | Manchester City | 0:0 | D |
27.12.2017 | ![]() |
Newcastle United | Manchester City | 0:1 | W |
23.12.2017 | ![]() |
Manchester City | Bournemouth AFC | 4:0 | W |
Bristol City could pull off another upset but they will need to avoid a crushing defeat in the first leg. A narrow loss would still leave them with some hope but a loss by more than two goals would leave with a huge mountain to climb. Callum O’Dowda is returning from injury and should the bench but Milan Djuric is unavailable. Latest matches: Bristol City
06.01.2018
FA C
Watford FC
Bristol City
3:0
L
01.01.2018
Cham
Aston Villa
Bristol City
5:0
L
30.12.2017
Cham
Bristol City
Wolverhampton Wanderers
1:2
L
26.12.2017
Cham
Bristol City
Reading FC
2:0
W
23.12.2017
Cham
Queens Park Rangers
Bristol City
1:1
D
Manchester City are undoubtedly favourites over both legs and in their home leg, they will be hoping to put the tie out of reach for Bristol City. The visitors will be looking to frustrate their opponents and not give too much away with a very tight backline. Man City should win the first-leg but it won’t be as easy as many people will expect.
09 January 2018 - 19:45 GMT
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