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.

STATS

• Manchester City have been outstanding across all competitions this term and the EFL Cup poses the first chance at silverware for Pep Guardiola. They have lost just once all season against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Although in their last two EFL Cup fixtures, they have had to rely on penalties to see them through, they have eliminated Wolves and Leicester on spot kicks after beating West Brom 2-1 in the third round.
• Bristol City are also doing brilliantly this season and while they look for a promotion push in the league, a trip to Wembley for a cup final would be a huge bonus. They have already played five times in the EFL Cup this season and have knocked out four top-flight sides: Watford, Stoke, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. They will be hoping to beat the other Manchester team after their last minute 2-1 win over the Red Devils in the last round.
• Bobby Reid is Bristol’s top goal scorer this season and he’ll be their main threat over both legs against the Premier League leaders.
• Leroy Sane is Man City’s leading scorer in the EFL Cup thanks to his brace in their 2-1 win over West Brom and if he plays on Tuesday, he’ll be a huge threat.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two sides have played just once in the 21^st 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.

MANCHESTER CITY NEWS

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	FA C	Manchester City	Burnley FC	4:1	W
02.01.2018	Prem	Manchester City	Watford FC	3:1	W
31.12.2017	Prem	Crystal Palace	Manchester City	0:0	D
27.12.2017	Prem	Newcastle United	Manchester City	0:1	W
23.12.2017	Prem	Manchester City	Bournemouth AFC	4:0	W

BRISTOL CITY NEWS

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

SUMMARY

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.