The Quest to Regain Our Carabao Crown Begins Against Watford

Depending on who you ask, the Carabao Cup (or League Cup) is one of the more prestigious trophies you can win domestically in England. A trophy that Manchester City are very familiar with, having won six in the last decade and eight total. However, despite our recent domestic dominance, this is one of the few trophies that have avoided us within the last three seasons. In a season with even more fixture congestion, City fans will be wondering how Manchester City will start their Carabao Cup campaign this season? For that, we have to look at the recent third-round draw.

For context, the third round of the Carabao Cup is where the Premier League clubs join the draw and start their journey to the final. Luckily, City will commence their 24’-25’campaign with a home fixture against a team they have a solid past record against: Watford Football Club. Historically, this is a fixture that favors City as in recent history they’ve dominated Watford, including a 6-0 win against them in the FA Cup final in 2019. 

Into the Hornets Nest:

Watford is coming off a season where they were one of the worst teams in the Championship, finishing 15th and even flirting with relegation at some points. However, their recent transfer window reflects urgency to regain form and competitiveness. Their marquee signing? Former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko. They’ve started their season hot with three straight wins in the league and two wins in the Carabao Cup, all in dominating fashion to the tune of an aggregate score of 8-3 within the league and 5-0 in the cup. It remains to be seen how strong Pep’s team selection will be when the two sides meet on September 17th at the Etihad but one thing can be certain: City play to win and Watford will have their hands full. Will City regain their Carabao crown? Let the games begin.

Written by: Aiden Rodriguez (AR)

Edited by: SHEIKH