Is there any way back for Burton Albion against Manchester City?
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Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City throttled Burton Albion 9-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. The Cityzens will travel to Burton for Wednesday night’s second leg in what should be a mere formality.
Guardiola has had a host of unfamiliar faces in training this week which means he is looking to rest many of his stars against the League One team.
Since getting beaten 9-0, Burton’s fortunes haven’t improved. The Brewers lost immediately after their defeat to Manchester City against Gillingham, 3-2. Last weekend, Burton could only manage a 2-2 draw with Doncaster. Manager Nigel Clough has the unenviable task of getting his side up for a cup semi-final that will feel more like an exhibition game for those involved.
Guardiola will be happy to play many of the young players he has at his disposal. Manchester City host Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday and the manager will be able to rotate his players to get them rest at this key point in the season. Spain youth international Eric Garcia is expected to see game time against Burton.
The 18-year-old joined Manchester City from Barcelona in 2017, and played in their last two League Cup matches. Highly rated 18-year-old midfielder Phil Foden will most likely find a place in the team as well. Eliaquim Mangala, Philippe Sandler, Taylor Richards, Luke Bolton, and Ian Carlo Poveda also trained with the first-team and could be included in Wednesday’s fixture against Burton.
Clough’s Brewers have achieved an incredible feat. The club had never reached the EFL/Carabao Cup semi-finals previously. In addition, the Brewers eliminated top competition with three wins over Championship teams and a win over Premier League club Burnley. Clough needs to right the ship, limit the goals and possible injuries against Manchester City, and return focus on a fight for Championship promotion.
Burton managed just one shot on target against Manchester City in the first leg. If Guardiola populates his side with inexperienced youngsters, Burton may have more of a fighting chance. However, Guardiola has the ability to mix top-class players and youthful prospects capable of easing the team to victory.
Like the first leg, Manchester City will come away with the win. Burton are longshots to get the victory, according to leading sportsbooks. The Cityzens won’t score as many goals as in the first leg, but they will defeat their League One opponents with very little resistance.
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