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Followers of English football have eight matches from the League Cup to keep them busy in midweek. There are three games on Tuesday's programme, but ten sides battle for a place in the quarter-finals on Wednesday evening, with the best broadcast live on television. On this page, we focus on the tie from Swansea, where the Championship and Premier League collide.
Swansea City enjoy the backing of a home crowd when rolling out the red carpet for Manchester City. The locals edged Nottingham Forest in a five-goal thriller in the previous round. Can they add another important scalp in the last 16 by sending Pep Guardiola's men packing? They're the pre-match underdogs, but fans know anything is possible in the EFL Cup.
Man City are fighting on several fronts. The visitors are holding their own in the Premier League and mixing with the top teams in the UEFA Champions League. They may see the earlier rounds of the EFL Cup as a distraction, but there's no denying the Citizens are favourites to beat Swansea. If they are anywhere near full-strength, City could make light work of the Swans.
Swansea v Man City tips
Foden score anytime @ 11/8 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Back the away win
Our first bet on Wednesday evening in Wales is for Manchester City to eliminate Swansea City. Guardiola's team are the betting favourite with all major online bookmakers to march into the next round, keeping alive their dreams of securing multiple trophies. Man City have the quality, experience, and energy to deal with a well-drilled opponent from the division below.
Swansea fans have reason to be confident here. They watched their team beat another top-flight opponent, Nottingham Forest, in the previous round. Those most loyal to the Swans will dream of seeing another giant-killing. Unfortunately, I don't share their enthusiasm for a home win. Swansea have won just one of their previous four league games, and two of their last six.
Swansea and Manchester City last met in competitive action in February 2021 in the FA Cup. The cash-rich Cityzens eased to a 3-1 win at the Liberty Stadium that day. That win was achieved thanks to goals from Kyle Walker, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus. The sides have met only once before in the League Cup, with Man City winning 2-1 in 2016. I expect a more comfortable victory.
Tip: Man City win @ 1/5 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need Man City to beat Swansea in 90 minutes.
Expect goals in Landore
Our second pick in the match from Landore sees us avoid picking sides and instead play the total goals. We're backing Swansea v Man City to produce more than two goals from both teams combined. A 3-0 home win pays the same as a 2-2 draw. As long as we see at least three goals scored, you'll secure the profits. It's a great bet that allows you to cheer every goal.
Looking through the recent stats of both teams adds confidence to our pick. A bet on over 2.5 goals would've earned you a return in Swansea's 2-1 win over Norwich at this stadium on Saturday. It was also a smart play when the Swans lost 3-1 to Leicester City at the start of October. The Foxes took control inside 13 minutes that day and never looked back.
Switching to the form of the visitors, over 2.5 goals last landed when Man City drew 2-2 with Monaco on the road in the Champions League. Since then, they beat Brentford 1-0, Everton and Villarreal 2-0, before losing 1-0 at Villa Park on Sunday. City are capable of out-scoring Swansea, but I'm confident the locals can get at least one goal to keep things interesting.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/9 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Swansea vs Man City ends with three or more goals, your bet wins.
Stick with Foden at a nice price
The third and final Swansea v Man City pick has the best odds. We're backing Phil Foden to score anytime during Wednesday's fixture. If the 25-year-old Stockport-born midfielder finds the net, bet365 will boost your betting balance. You can bet on him to break the deadlock at a higher price, but we're happy with the safety net of the anytime scorer market.
Foden scored in 18 minutes when his team beat Huddersfield Town 2-0 in the previous round. That goal ensured City led at the break, and it stood until Savinho doubled the advantage on 74 minutes. That Cup goal was one of only two scored by Foden so far this season, with the second coming in a 3-0 Manchester derby win in September at the Etihad Stadium.
Back Foden to score, and you'll enjoy a lively interest for the entire time he's on the field of play. It's a value-for-money bet that allows followers to target a decent return off a small stake.
Tip: Foden to score @ 11/8 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need Phil Foden to get amongst the goals on Wednesday in Wales.
Swansea v Man City odds
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.