Prediction & odds for the game: Oxford (20/1) v Manchester City (1/9)
When: Wednesday, 18th December 2019 @ 7.45pm K.O
Where: Kassam Stadium
Third-tier Oxford United will go in search of a big upset as they go head to head with Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Oxford
Oxford’s surge up through the ranks of English football has certainly been no accident, as over the last few years they’re been carefully putting the necessary pieces in place that’ll allow them to build their way towards a brighter future for the club. It certainly seems like the goal of reaching the Premier League isn’t all too far off now, and while it seems crazy to some, we could be talking about them as a top flight club for the first time since 1988 within the span of the next five years.
Oxford have had to do things the hard way in the Carabao Cup this season, starting off in the very first round. They edged their way past Peterborough United 1-0 before overcoming Millwall on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw. They proceeded to shock a lot of people by battering Premier League side West Ham 4-0, before going on to beat Sunderland on penalties.
Manchester City
Manchester City are on track to do some big things once again this season, but whether or not they’ll view the Carabao Cup as much of a priority remains to be seen. There’s a solid chance that they’ll make their way through this game but they need to ensure they don’t get too complacent. Teams like Oxford are capable of surprising just about anyone if they aren’t taking seriously, and with the Premier League and Champions League getting serious, City need to step up.
As a direct result of their entry into the Champions League, City’s run in this competition only started in the third round where they put Preston North End to the sword in a convincing 3-0 triumph. Their next outing came against Southampton as they were able to avoid a scare to win 3-1 and reach the last eight.
Conclusion
Oxford could, and should, come flying out of the gate against Manchester City and that’s exactly what we’re expecting them to do. They’ll come at them with everything but the kitchen sink and that should play right into the visitors’ hands, which could lead to things getting ugly. Even if they do, though, Oxford are the kind of side that are simply going to take it all in their stride.
We think the hosts are going to get on the scoresheet whether that be early on in the game or late – and as a result, we’re going to suggest that these two teams are going to obliterate the over 2.5 goals threshold.
Verdict: Back the away win at odds of 1/9 and the over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 9/40. (All odds are taken from bet365).
[geosnippet id=3620]Feel free to bet on Oxford v Manchester City at the betting page, or some of the other games on the schedule at the soccer predictions page.
