After a hard fought draw at Upton Park on Saturday evening that saw them move up to second, Manchester City now turn their attentions to the domestic cups.
With a 2-1 deficit to overturn in midweek in the league cup semi-final and a Fourth round fa cup tie away to Aston Villa on Saturday to come, City know there’s very little margin for error, in what could prove to be a season-defining week. On Wednesday night they welcome Roberto Martinez’s Everton to the Etihad, in their first encounter of the triple header between the sides, it was a Romelu Lukaku header that gave Everton a first leg lead in the tie.
This time around, however, Manuel Pellegrini has an in-form Sergio Aguero leading the line with five goals in his last four games.The Argentine will be looking to torment an out of sorts Everton defence, who have conceded five goals in four games since the first leg. The Everton defence come into the game on the back of a poor defensive showing at home to Swansea. John Stones’ confidence will be tested after a calamitous defensive display on Sunday.
If City are to make their 8th trip to Wembley in the last five years they’ll need to show the defensive solidity they showed previous to their trip to Upton Park on Saturday.
Before Saturday’s game City kept three clean sheets in a row however, the City back four cannot afford to show the lapses of concentration they showed on Saturday that saw them concede after 53 seconds. Everton’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku showed in the first leg he is ready to pounce on any momentary lapse in defence.
With the added boost of Fernandinho returning City may be able to get a foothold in midfield and dictate the game through Yaya Toure, especially with Everton midfielder Mohammed Besic ruled out. Besic alongside Gareth Barry won the midfield battle at Goodison park in the first leg.
Ever since he came to England, Manuel Pellegrini has respected the League Cup constantly playing strong teams throughout the competition. At times it has lead to some criticism, last season saw City put out a full strength side and lose to Newcastle at home.
The importance of the competition hasn’t been lost on City the last two teams to win the competition have gone on to win the Premier League title. Capital One Cup was also Pellegrini’s first major honour in Europe. City, who are in their second semi-final in three seasons, will be hoping to go one step closer to claiming their sixth domestic honour in five years.
Now up to second in the Premier League and with two cup ties coming up, back-to-back wins this week could see City fans not making three very expensive trips to their second home Wembley.
If he plays his cards right Manuel Pellegrini may just find himself leaving the Etihad with five trophies on his CV.
