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.
*Odds correct at time of publication
π Hit refresh for the latest...
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!
Keep checking our social channels (@SportingLifeFC on Twitter) for reaction from Wembley.
One down, three to go...
ππ΅ Manchester City
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
π Part one of the quadruple
π A 6th League Cup in their 7th final
π First time #MCFC retain a trophy#CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/Qw4gY0ZBdS
π When your mum tells you to stop playing football and come inside as your tea is ready...#CFC #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/SWzOC6MIXf
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
Celebrations for Manchester City! π #MCFC #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/p8HhtfgF8P
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
Oh Kepa Arrizabalaga. What were you doing?! #CFC pic.twitter.com/BmYQ8OZTCH
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
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...
Brilliantly taken by Sterling and the City end goes wild.
Manchester City are the 2018/19 Carabao Cup winners.
Cool as you like from Hazard. Sterling now.
Bernardo Silva straight down the middle. Hazard up next.
David Luiz's annoying run up results in nothing - Ederson saves. Game on!
Kepa saves Sane's effort. 2-2 still!
Emerson converts. Good game from him at left-back today.
Aguero cannot believe that went in, Kepa should have got a hand to it!
Top corner from Azpilicueta.
Gundogan scores past Kepa.
Jorginho's soft effort is saved by Emerson.
We are going to their end...
It's still Kepa...player power and all!
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?
Imagine if Kepa is the hero now...
Well....
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
Kepa, who has been own injured a couple of times, is being subbed off but he refuses to leave the pitch! He stays on! Caballero was ready and waiting and the substitutes board was up.
How bizarre π³
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.
#1 Referees falling over. Jon Moss took a tumble, big cheers all round.
Sterling comes inside from the right and Aguero nearly converts, great block by Azpilicueta and Kepa followed up with a fingertip save.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Four minutes have been awarded, as Chelsea have a free-kick on the left-hand side after Otamendi's foul (and caution) on Hazard.
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.
Barkley off, Loftus-Cheek on.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Chelsea: Pedro off, Callum Hudson-Odoi on (to a big cheer too)
Man City: David Silva off, Ilkay Gundogan on
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
π Oh, hello VAR. Aguero has the ball in the back of the net but the linesmanβs original offside decision is upheld following a VAR check. #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/DT8byIZJXH
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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
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.
Chelsea fans sound a little anxious though...
π€ At this point in their game against Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, Chelsea were 4-0 down. So we guess it's progress...#MCFC #CFC #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/zpNz2nJipD
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
The Argentinian has 15 career goals against Chelsea - he already has had two efforts today, just registering his first on target.
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.
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?
A picture of that early, early foul.
πΈ The quickest foul in League Cup history?! Jorginho knocked down Aguero with just seconds played..#MCFC #CFC #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/j07EV8GaLr
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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
The sky blue and white flags are out at the City end ππ»#MCFC pic.twitter.com/qOjDFA0lLN
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
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
π The team news is in from Wembley!
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
π Emerson starts at left-back for Chelsea, while Higuain is on the bench...#CFC #MCFC #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/M0DnhvM8Dv
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.
CUP FINAL THOUGHTS
Remember we've got live Carabao Cup final coverage coming up from Wembley after this game..
π With kick-off approaching, @GeorgePitts_ is starting to talk himself into the fact that Chelsea could win at Wembley...
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
β @TomC_22 is still backing City for an easy win though! #CFC #MCFC pic.twitter.com/ZqC4i2GLRc
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...
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..
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
The last time all three subs got used in a Premier League game before half-time?
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 24, 2019
Burnley vs Newcastle in January 2015.
That match ended 3-3!#MUNLIV #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/FxM2MrFHLQ
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!
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.
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...
MICKIII!#ARSSOU π΄ 2-0 π (17) pic.twitter.com/k1BHZDYvx2
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) February 24, 2019
ARSENAL 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON
Meanwhile at the Emirates...
What a start for @Arsenal as Lacazette gives them an early lead! π΄
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 24, 2019
Watch more @PremierLeague clips and highlights on the @SkySports app! Download it here:
iPhone: https://t.co/R3l34nbPqd
Android: https://t.co/DgBmhkQDbS pic.twitter.com/9YZV1b7D98
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!
LANDMARK FOR HENDERSON
3οΈβ£0οΈβ£0οΈβ£ @premierleague appearances.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 24, 2019
π @JHenderson π pic.twitter.com/hTRG4iOvhQ
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..
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.
MAN UTD V LIVERPOOL BETTING TIPS
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.
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."
π¨ #MUFC TEAM NEWS π¨
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 24, 2019
Two changes from our victory over Chelsea...
LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS
James Milner starts at right back instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Jordan Henderson starting in midfield ahead of Naby Keita.
#MUNLIV team news. The Reds π΄https://t.co/FV1nMu9lrM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 24, 2019