The Carabao Cup final was once regarded as an annual Manchester City invitational, but Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t made it to the competition’s showpiece event since 2021.
Alternate priorities and their recent demise have ensured the trophy has been shared around in recent years, but the Cityzens could make a serious charge in 2025–26.
They’ve been dealt two kind draws to start their journey, and Guardiola will feel assured enough to rotate his starting XI for Wednesday night’s fourth-round clash at Swansea City, despite succumbing to another defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday.
The manager has confirmed rests for some of his leading men in midweek, so, with that in mind, here’s how the visitors could line up in South Wales.
