The EFL Cup semi-final tie between Burton Albion and Manchester City is to all intents and purposes already over even before the second leg kicks off on Wednesday (19:45 GMT). This is because Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues put nine past the Brewers at the Etihad.
There is clearly a huge gulf in class between the two sides and Nigel Clough’s plucky underdogs just can’t bridge it. Given City comprehensively thrashed Burton in the first leg, the 13/5 available through Betfair or Paddy Power for an away victory by four or more goals in this match looks very generous.
While the tie is already won, and Guardiola will doubtless field a few fringe players, this is an opportunity for those in Man City ranks who don’t play regularly to stake claims for featuring in the final. That future fixture – against either Tottenham or Chelsea – will be infinitely more competitive than this.
Minnows against masters
No disrespect to Albion is intended, but they are a League One outfit with a very modest budget in comparison to the visitors playing one of English football’s top sides. City are favourites to win the Champions League and FA Cup besides this trophy, so it really is David v Goliath stuff.
In order to perform the mother of all giant-killings, Burton would have to score 10 goals without reply. They’ve only managed nine in six games across all competitions since Boxing Day, and there’s simply no chance in fact of them turning this around.
With 55 places between the sides in the English football pyramid, Man City should easily be able to rest many of their stars and still win the second leg comfortably. Their players have scored 97 goals between them with five own goals giving Guardiola a seasonal total to date of 102 across all competitions.
Threats for poor Burton are everywhere, so against a City side that have scored four or more eight times already this term, it’s more than likely they’re in for another drubbing. That 13/5 with Paddy Power and Betfair really does look well worth taking.
Bet of the day: Man City to beat Burton by four goals or more at 13/5 with Betfair or Paddy Power.
