Manchester City have won the EFL Cup six times since 2014 and there is nothing to suggest that Pep Guardiola won't want to extend that record in 2023.
In Chelsea, however, City have been handed an extremely tough opener, even though the visitors are going through a sticky spell of results. The sub plot is, of course, the return to the Etihad of Raheem Sterling, who now plies his trade in west London.
City are a very short 9/20 with Betfred to win this game in 90 minutes while Chelsea are 18/5 to overcome this giant hurdle and go into the hat for the fourth round.
As ever when it comes to betting on cup ties, a key factor is going to be team news but Pep tends to start at at least a handful of first-teamers whilst also looking to give opportunities to the talented young players like Cole Palmer. However, it is likley that both managers will go stronger than they would ideally like given the stiff level of competition.
Graham Potter's reign at Chelsea started brightly enough but Sunday's deserved defeat to Arsenal was a fourth Premier League game on the bounce in which they have failed to win.
It is surely too early for Potter to be under any meaningful pressure - especially as he has several key injuries to deal with - but he is struggling to find the right formular in attack because his side are really struggling to create chances - as an xG of just 0.26 against the Gunners testifies. Raheem Sterling is Chelsea's joint-top scorer with three goals and the former City wide man is 10/1 with Betfred to open the scoring this time (3/1 to score any time).
City survived a real scare against Fulham on Saturday to ultimately get what was a big three points. Everyone is expecting City to take control of this league but Arsenal just keep on rolling at the top of the division and, at this stage at least, the two games between those sides look critical.
Man City vs Chelsea prediction
Pep's record in this competition is ridiculous in truth - he's won 24 of the 26 matches in which he's managed and the only side to beat him in that period is Manchester United (twice).
That spells trouble for a Chelsea side who look a bit lost right now, certainly offensively, and they will be in even more trouble if pep decides to unleash Erling Haaland. Either way, back City to win this without conceding, which is a juicy 8/5 play with Betfred.
Man City vs Chelsea prediction: Man City to win to nil - 8/5
Man City vs Chelsea odds with Betfred
- Man City - 9/20
- Draw - 18/5
- Chelsea - 6/1
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