Following a few embarrassing defeats for Sarri's team recently, the world will be tuning in to see whether Chelsea vs Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final will be the last straw in his reign as manager of the London club. Having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United, this is possibly Chelsea's last chance of salvaging something from the season by bringing some silverware back to Stamford Bridge in the form of the Carabao Cup.

Current Form

Chelsea

Chelsea have been made to look poor in recent weeks by a number of teams, one of which happens to be Manchester City, who annihilated the London club 6-0 in the last round of Premier League fixtures. Domestically, things haven't been looking good for Chelsea for a while and they've now dropped to 6th place in the table having lost 3 of their previous 5 Premier League games.

Manchester City

Manchester City have put together a decent run of form again recently and will be looking to build on their convincing win against Chelsea earlier in the month. Domestically, Manchester City have won 4 of their previous 5 Premier League games.

Head to Head

In the previous 10 meetings between the clubs, Chelsea won 4 and Manchester City won 6. Notably, Manchester City won 4 of the 5 previous games between the teams.

Analysis

Chelsea

Chelsea are going through a very difficult period at the moment and it is starting to feel like Sarri's job is now on the line. Having dropped out of the top 4 and been knocked out of the FA Cup, this match is perhaps his final opportunity to save his job and take something positive from the season. Nonetheless, the issue Chelsea have here is that they were demolished by this Manchester City team 6-0 just a few days ago. Sarri's team are going to have to show a much stronger performance if they are to have any chance of winning.

Strategically, the last thing Chelsea will want to do is to sit back and defend wave after wave of Manchester City attacks. A positive outlook is key but over committing players in attacks could also see Manchester City have opportunities to counter-attack with ease. There needs to be a balance here for Sarri's team and the midfield battle will be significant. If Kante and Jorginho are unable to assert some form of control over the midfield then it could be a long afternoon for Chelsea.

Manchester City

Having shown that they have the ability to destroy this Chelsea team just a few days ago, Manchester City will be feeling extremely confident that they can go on to win the Carabao Cup this season. Of course, Guardiola's team cannot afford to be complacent but they have shown little evidence of that so far this season in any competition. Strategically, Manchester City simply need to go out and perform to their usual high standards and they should have too much for this Chelsea team. If Manchester City are able to score an early goal then the floodgates could open up once again.

Predictions

Chelsea are in such poor form at the moment that I don't believe they will offer much in this game. Having already scored six against them the other day, I fully expect Manchester City to make light work of this final.

Prediction: Manchester City win

Score Prediction: Chelsea 0 - 3 Manchester City

Betting Picks

I will be taking positions on the Over 2.5 and Over 3.5 Goals markets as Chelsea are shipping too many goals at the moment.