Man City tackle Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley
Man City tackle Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley

RECAP: Football betting blog including coverage of Manchester United v Liverpool & Man City v Chelsea from Wembley


A recap of our football betting blog from Sunday's action, which included coverage of Man United v Liverpool & Man City v Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

Latest news & features

*Odds correct at time of publication

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THAT'S ALL

What an eventful final that turned out to be!

Keep across Sporting Life's football section and our Twitter @SportingLifeFC, with footage from Maurizio Sarri, David Luiz and N'Golo Kante - plus THAT Kepa clip.

Recap some of the day's action by heading over to our Instagram page and we hope you enjoyed our coverage from Wembley, and the early Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Good night!


REPORT

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Keep checking our social channels (@SportingLifeFC on Twitter) for reaction from Wembley.


IS THE QUADRUPLE ON?

One down, three to go...


πŸ˜‚



REACTION

So, City have won it on penalties after a goalless draw over 120 minutes. Guardiola is embracing Sterling, he is delighted.

The Chelsea end has emptied unbelievably quick.

Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall when Sarri and Kepa meet later...


TOP CORNER!

Brilliantly taken by Sterling and the City end goes wild.

Manchester City are the 2018/19 Carabao Cup winners.


3-3

Cool as you like from Hazard. Sterling now.


3-2 CITY

Bernardo Silva straight down the middle. Hazard up next.


CHELSEA DENIED

David Luiz's annoying run up results in nothing - Ederson saves. Game on!


CITY DENIED!

Kepa saves Sane's effort. 2-2 still!


2-2

Emerson converts. Good game from him at left-back today.


2-1 CITY - JUST!

Aguero cannot believe that went in, Kepa should have got a hand to it!


1-1 - CHELSEA SCORE

Top corner from Azpilicueta.


1-0 CITY

Gundogan scores past Kepa.


FIRST UP - CHELSEA DENIED!

Jorginho's soft effort is saved by Emerson.


CHELSEA WIN THE TOSS

We are going to their end...


WAIT, NO!

It's still Kepa...player power and all!


SARRI STILL LOOKS FURIOUS

It appears former City goalkeeper Caballero will be the man between the sticks for Chelsea. Did those events just prove how Sarri no longer has full control of the dressing room?

Man City are 4/5 to win the shootout


PENALTIES IT IS

Imagine if Kepa is the hero now...


LATE CITY CHANCE

Man City attacked, Rudiger looked to have it under control before taking a tumble on the edge of the box, Aguero pounced and his low shot was saved by Kepa, who is down with an injury at the minute, 28 minutes of extra-time on the clock.

Caballero was about to come on against his old club, stripped off and ready to go. Kepa signals that he will carry on. Sarri insists he will come off. Kepa is not happy at all.

This is sensational, he is refusing to come off. Despite his number being shown. Sarri is furious. Moss tries to deal with it, Kepa still refuses. Play continues as three minutes are added on.


THINGS FOOTBALL FANS TAKE DELIGHT IN

#1 Referees falling over. Jon Moss took a tumble, big cheers all round.


GOALMOUTH SCRAMBLE

Sterling comes inside from the right and Aguero nearly converts, great block by Azpilicueta and Kepa followed up with a fingertip save.


LIVE ODDS

TO WIN: Chelsea - evens | Man City - 8/11

  • Aguero & Sterling to score in penalty shootout - 8/11

Click here to see the in-play market


HUDSON-ODOI'S POSITIVE IMPACT

Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi in action v Man City's Oleksandr Zinchenko at the 2018/19 Carabao Cup final
Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi in action v Man City's Oleksandr Zinchenko


'CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE, YOU'LL NEVER SING THAT'

That is the chant coming from the Chelsea end, who clearly don't think Europe is on for the Citizens. However, the quadruple is still on - for now...

It's half-time of extra-time now, we are 15 minutes of so away from penalties.

Who will lift the trophy for a sixth time? We will see shortly!


CHELSEA CHANCE

Higuain has started well, finding Hudson-Odoi, who then showed good feet and linked up well with Hazard. The attack ends with Jorginho whipping a shot across goal and past the post. 0-0 with 12 minutes of extra-time on the clock.

TIE WINNER ODDS: Chelsea - 11/10 | Man City - 4/6


CHELSEA SUB

Willian off, Higuain on - can the loan forward be the match winner?

Slight change of approach for Chelsea with a less pacy striker in the middle, Hudson-Odoi and Hazard on the wings.


EXTRA-TIME UNDERWAY

City make their fourth change with Danilo on for Fernandinho.

After an exciting end to the second half, it really could go either way here. Stick with us to see who will be crowned the winners of the 2018/19 Carabao Cup.


FT: CHELSEA 0-0 MAN CITY

Jon Moss blows the whistle and we are going to extra-time. It has not been a bad game at all though, with both sides going for it in the second half.

Fernandinho just limped off injured, luckily City can make a fourth change in added time.

ODDS TO WIN THE TIE

  • Chelsea - 5/4
  • Man City - 4/7

Click here to back look at more in-play markets


EXTRA-TIME ON THE CARDS

Chelsea's attack comes to no avail and there's around two minutes of stoppage time left. Hazard was just through on goal but offside was given.


ADDED TIME

Four minutes have been awarded, as Chelsea have a free-kick on the left-hand side after Otamendi's foul (and caution) on Hazard.


CITY FANS WANT RED

Raheem Sterling led a very pacy counter with just Jorginho to beat. He hit the ball past Jorginho who cynically took down the England man. He was still some way from goal though and Moss showed just a yellow card.

CHELSEA SUB

Barkley off, Loftus-Cheek on.


MAN CITY SUB

Can Leroy Sane repeat his midweek heroics? He scored a stunning free-kick as City came back to win at Schalke. The German forward replaces Kevin De Bruyne with 86 minutes on the clock.


ODDS UPDATE

With 82 minutes on the clock, the thought of extra-time is starting to creep in - so here are the latest odds to win the tie:

  • Chelsea - 5/4
  • Man City - 4/7

Take a look at the latest in-play markets here

That price on Chelsea looks good considering the way they continue to grow into this.


CHELSEA STARTING TO BELIEVE

You can see the belief in the Blues' body language now, more players looking confident on the ball and they have enjoyed more possession in the last 10 minutes or so.

SUBS

Chelsea: Pedro off, Callum Hudson-Odoi on (to a big cheer too)

Man City: David Silva off, Ilkay Gundogan on


CHANCE

From what was a fairly cagey game to quite an entertaining contest, Chelsea have had another good opportunity, Willian finding Barkley who shaped a curling shot just past the far post.


CHANCE!

Hazard leads another Chelsea counter after Willian's through ball. The Belgian turns his compatriot Kompany inside out before finding N'Golo Kante with a low cross, the Frenchman's first-time strike sailing just over. The Chelsea fans liked that.

The Blues are now 13/2 to win in 90 minutes


SUBS STEP IT UP

Remember in junior football when you were on the bench and would warm up in front of your manager as a reminder to put you on? Just me?

Well it looks like Gonzalo Higuain is doing just that with his Blues colleagues. In all honesty, it probably isn't his type of game. Hudson-Odoi, however, is a good, dangerous and pacy option. Chelsea probably don't need to change much at this time though.


IN-PLAY TIP

Eden Hazard has, unsurprisingly, been Chelsea's danger man. He has led a couple of dangerous attacks in the game and had one effort on target.

The 15/8 price available on him to register 1+ shots on target looks great considering his central position. All it takes is a counter.

Back it here


BACK OF THE NET!

But it was offside...that still did not stop City fans cheering.

Otamendi's effort deflected into the path of Aguero who shot on the turn. It's gone to a VAR check...it looked close but Martin Atkinson is the VAR official and rules no goal.


IT'S COME ALIVE

Eden Hazard was nearly through on the left, but Nicolas Otamendi made a strong challenge in the box, starting a City counter which looked dangerous but came to nothing after exchanges between Sterling and Zinchenko on the left at the other end.

The crowd have reacted it with both ends bursting into a chorus. Game on!


ALL CITY

The opening five minutes of the second half has seen City camped in Chelsea's half.

Kepa just flapped at a cross, which was very nearly pounced upon by Aguero.

City are 8/11 to score next - a really good price going on the current pattern of play.


EARLY CHANCE FOR CITY

De Bruyne sent in a powerful, whipped cross from the right which just missed the head of Aguero. Sterling kept the attack alive and Fernandinho eventually blasted over.

Take a look at the latest in-play markets here


SECOND HALF

While both sides have had their team talks and energy gels, we've just been treated to a pot of fish fingers and chips in the press box.

City - who have replaced Aymeric Laporte with Vincent Kompany - get us back underway...

Hopefully a goal or two for us soon!


PRICE BOOST

Eden Hazard has looked dangerous, especially in that attack before the half-time whistle. You can back him to score the game's first goal (in 90 mins) at 11/1 here


HALF-TIME

Action from Chelsea v Man City in the 2019 Carabao Cup final
Action from Chelsea v Man City in the 2019 Carabao Cup final

It is level at the break, a couple of Chelsea chances towards the end there with Eden Hazard going on a brilliant solo run.

The Londoners have only had around 35% possession, but they have been tough to break down and you can see what Maurizio Sarri is going for here.

What are your thoughts for the second half? Tweet us @SportingLifeFC

ODDS:

  • Chelsea - 5/1
  • Draw - 13/8
  • Man City - 5/6

Click here for the latest Sky Bet markets


CHELSEA COMPOSED

The Blues were thrashed 6-0 at City only two weeks ago - we all knew it was hardly going to be the same again, but Maurizio Sarri's side are looking a lot more composed. They look to have more of a five-man midfield, sitting deep and looking to mount speedy attacks via Hazard who is spearheading the attack.

They are making it hard to get through. At 9/2 to win, it makes you wonder - all it takes is a lucky goal on the counter.


PROGRESS

Chelsea fans sound a little anxious though...


AGUERO TO SCORE FIRST?

The Argentinian has 15 career goals against Chelsea - he already has had two efforts today, just registering his first on target.

You can back Aguero at 3/1 with Sky Bet to score first


CHELSEA SET-UP

With Higuain on the bench, it's Hazard in the middle with Pedro on the right and Willian on the left (often swapping). All three just combined to form a dangerous attack before Jorginho drew in a foul around 40 yards from goal.


CHANCE

The best opportunity so far, as Aguero receives the ball on the left of the box, chests and volleys over. Still 0-0. In our pre-match video preview of Saturday we said how vital it would be for Chelsea to keep them out in the opening 20 minutes. But can they hold on?


ACTION SHOT

A picture of that early, early foul.


GUARDIOLA

The Man City manager is so fascinating to watch during a game - how animated he is, constantly giving out instructions to his players. He must feel absolutely drained after a match.


KEPA CANNOT KICK?

A couple of shaky clearances from the Chelsea shot-stopper when he has not really been under much pressure. Something the Citizens could look to exploit further.


CITY ON TOP

Nearly 10 minutes in and Pep Guardiola's side have dominated possession as you would expect. Chelsea have barely got out of their own half. Although right on cue N'Golo Kante went down on the edge of the box after a challenge from Oleksandr Zinchenko, which was waved away by Jon Moss.

City at 4/9 to be the next team to score still looks a decent price.


WEATHER CHECK

Without wanting to tempt fate, there cannot have been many League Cup finals with weather as good as this. Blue skies in London, a bit of sun too. In February.


QUICKEST FOUL EVER?!

Chelsea took kick-off and Sergio Aguero was fouled by Jorginho on his way past - literally about two seconds. City get the free-kick and possession that quick! An early corner too which comes to no avail...


HERE WE GO!

Chelsea get us underway, here's hoping for a cracker!

Follow the action with us here and on Twitter @SportingLifeFC and on our Instagram Story @SportingLifedotcom


IMPRESSIVE TURNOUT FROM CITY FANS


GOOD AFTERNOON FROM WEMBLEY

I'm George Pitts, in place with Tom Carnduff for the Carabao Cup final - a couple of connection issues.

The teams are out though - here's hoping for a better game than we had at Old Trafford!


FT - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

The full time whistle goes and it's honours even in a bizarre game at Old Trafford with more injuries than clear-cut chances and while Liverpool do go back to the top of the table it's only by a point and they'll definitely feel it's two points dropped again.

United were dogged and determined in the second half and will certainly be the happy side with a point.


89 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL - CHANCE!

Chris Smalling has a huge chance to win it for United as he ghosts in at the far post but just hesitates at the last moment and can't get on the end of it to stab it home into an empty net.


80 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

Inside the last ten minutes - still no real trouble for De Gea in the United goal as Salah is withdrawn and Origi comes on for Liverpool. Who can win it from here?

Latest Odds: 8/1 Man Utd | 1/3 Draw | 7/2 Liverpool


CARABAO CUP TEAM NEWS


75 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL - GOAL! - NO!

Wow, looked like Matip had put the ball into his own net but the linesman had already flagged for offside - and on second leg it's especially tight!


70 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL - SHAQIRI ON

Second sub for Liverpool with Henderson coming off for Shaqiri - with Jurgen Klopp hoping he can have the same impact he had at Anfield earlier in the season.


65 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

United working their socks off and Liverpool really struggling to get anything working up front - that final ball is well short of what we're used to.


59 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

Cracking atmosphere at Old Trafford and Man Utd are giving them plenty to shout about as Rashford strikes wide when the hosts had five men flooding the box. Liverpool have had a couple of corners but nothing coming from them.

If anything, United look a bit more settled into their game plan with Liverpool looking a bit scrappy.


50 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

We're back underway and United have had two great chances early on from free kicks into the box. They're still looking comfortable at the back as well.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jurgen Klopp on the sidelines at Old Traffprd
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jurgen Klopp on the sidelines at Old Traffprd


CUP FINAL THOUGHTS

Remember we've got live Carabao Cup final coverage coming up from Wembley after this game..


ANY CHANCE OF A GOAL?

Rashford & Pogba look dangerous, and they're both 7/1 along with Lukaku, who is always a danger in the air.

11/4 for Salah to score in the second half, with Sturridge at 7/2 and Mane 9/2. Milner is 14/1 but could be on the pens...

Click here for in-play betting


HT ODDS

7/2 Man Utd 6/4 Draw 11/10 Liverpool

Which way will this go now? The injuries obviously affected United more, but it's not helped the game either, and in the second half they'll be entrenched in their game plan of sitting back and looking to hit on the break. They've already proved dangerous on that front as well..

Click here for in-play betting


HT - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

After playing for 50 minutes due to injuries referee Oliver finally blows his whistle to a strange old first half with plenty of gusto but just one real chance and FOUR injuries!

What will the second half bring!?


SUB STAT


42 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL - ANOTHER SUB!

Now Jesse Lingard, who is a sub himself, has to come off after injuring himself going through on goal. Alexis Sanchez comes on in his place as United use all three subs before the break.


39 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL - SAVE!

Great save from Allison! Lukaku with a great reverse ball to the on-rushing Lingard who tries to go around the Brazillian, who does incredibly to scoop the ball off his toes and gather. Best chance of the game so far.


35 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

It's been all Liverpool in the last few minutes, but United are crowding the edge of the box and in truth there's been nothing for De Gea to worry about - and the Reds are still missing that final ball that could create some trouble.

At the other end, Pogba is given a wealth of time to unleash a stinging shot that Van Dijk heads away from danger - it looked like it was heading in as well.


28 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

They're dropping like flies at Old Trafford now with Mata going off and Lingard coming on earlier than expected. Daniel Sturridge is about to come on as well for the injured Firmino!

Lingard is 10/1 to score anytime...


LATEST ODDS

10/3 Man Utd 2/1 Draw 5/6 Liverpool

Liverpool now odds on as they've been on top mostly, but United look more than a little dangerous on the break and the visitors have not been able to threaten De Gea as yet with some wasteful final balls.

Click here for live in-play betting


21 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

Sub for Man Utd: Herrera off - Pereira on

Rashford looks like the man coming off but he's just burst into life with a run down the left to earn a corner.


ARSENAL 2-0 SOUTHAMPTON

Make that two...


ARSENAL 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON

Meanwhile at the Emirates...


11 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

Just settling down into the pattern of the game now, with United happy to sit back and allow Liverpool to have the ball - they've been devastating on the counter attack under Solskjaer so that seems like a decent game plan to operate here.


7 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

Rashford gets in behind far too easily for Liverpool's liking, but slips as he attempts a shot - it's been a breathless start so far at Old Trafford - as if we expected anything less!


2 - MAN UTD 0-0 LIVERPOOL

Poor start from Ashley Young with an errant back pass that Firmino really should've got on the end of. De Gea handled it though so it was a dangerous free kick inside the United box, but Liverpool made a real mess of it...


LATEST ODDS

9/4 Man Utd 12/5 Draw 23/20 Liverpool

As usual in these big games if you've got a strong feeling either way you're rewarded with decent odds, but there are also plenty backing the draw!

Click here for live in-play betting


LANDMARK FOR HENDERSON


CUP FINAL ON INSTAGRAM

Our George Pitts and Tom Carnduff are having a day out at Wembley today to bring you the Carabao Cup final - follow their exploits on social media including our Instagram story..

Follow them here.


DOUBLE UP BOOST!

Sky Bet have doubled the odds of Paul Pogba to have 2+ shots on target & Virgil van Dijk to have 2+ tackles to 10/1. It's the pick of the offers today.

Click here for this and the rest of the markets.


MAN UTD V LIVERPOOL BETTING TIPS

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates Manchester United victory
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates Manchester United victory

Our George Pitts fancies a home win today in the big one, while he's picked out an 11/8 best bet from the action.

There's also an attractive 9/2 RequestABet that he's picked out.. Head here to find out more.


BIG GAME GUIDE

Paul Higham dives into the tactics Man Utd and Liverpool could, and should, deploy this afternoon to come out on top in this huge battle at Old Trafford.

Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Man Utd at Old Trafford
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Man Utd at Old Trafford


MAN UTD TEAM NEWS

Scott McTominay starts with Matic out injured for United, but Solskjaer isn't concerned: "He's played in these games before and knows the importance of it, so I'm sure he'll slot in there and do very well."


LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS

James Milner starts at right back instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Jordan Henderson starting in midfield ahead of Naby Keita.


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