Manchester City learn their potential Carabao Cup opponents

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City lifts the trophy after winning the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City lifts the trophy after winning the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City’s quest for a record-tying fourth straight Carabao Cup will begin in the Third Round against either Bournemouth or Crystal Palace.

Manchester City have absolutely dominated the Carabao Cup in recent seasons, winning the title three straight times and four of the previous five. The quest for their fourth in a row, which would equal Liverpool’s run from 1981-1984, would tie the all-time league cup record. That journey begins on the week that commences on Sept. 21, when City will play either recently-relegated Bournemouth or Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.

With the Premier League season rapidly approaching, City will quickly be thrown into the fire of knockout football against decent opposition. With their opening league match against Wolverhampton Wanderers confirmed for Sept. 21, City will likely be forced to rotate to maintain fitness and sharpness, especially so early in the season after a quick turnaround.

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City were definitely handed a more difficult draw than some other Premier League sides, with Manchester United facing either Luton Town or Reading and Everton drawing Salford City. Nevertheless, City must be ready to defend the trophy, and it was the only one the club one during a disappointing 2019-20 campaign.

The season is approaching more quickly than ever, and there is still much to be done for City to get back into contention for the Premier League title. Negotiations for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly seem to be slowly progressing, but the clock is ticking and there is no direct contact between the clubs. City absolutely still need a top central defender, as they have since Vincent Kompany left the club, and still have yet to fully address this issue area.