Match Overview

The highly anticipated Carabao Cup Round of 16 clash between Swansea City and Manchester City is scheduled for October 29th at the Swansea.com Stadium. This preview provides an in-depth analysis, including predictions, betting tips, odds, and key statistics for the Swansea vs Manchester City encounter.

Swansea City Overview

Swansea’s Cup Journey

Swansea City will host their fourth consecutive Carabao Cup match this season. Alan Sheehan’s squad has already secured victories against Crawley Town (3:1) and Nottingham Forest (3:1) in regular time. In between these successes, they also advanced past Plymouth Argyle after a 1:1 draw, winning 5:3 on penalties. Notably, Swansea famously lifted this trophy in the 2012/13 season, defeating Bradford City in the final. Since then, they have only reached the Round of 16 once, in 2014.

Key Swansea Statistics

• The team has remained unbeaten in 6 out of their last 8 previous matches in this tournament (4 wins and 2 draws).
• Both teams scored in 5 out of Swansea’s last 6 English games.
• At least three goals were scored in 6 out of the Welsh side’s last 8 previous matches in this tournament.

Swansea City Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)*

Probable XI

Andrew Lee Fisher – Joshua Key, Iche Samuels-Smith, Calum Casey, Cameron Burgess – Gonçalo Franco, Ethan Galbraith, Malík Yahkui – Adam Uche Idah, Manuel Benson, Oh Hyeon-gyu.

Manchester City Overview

Manchester City’s Cup Form

Manchester City has played only one Carabao Cup fixture so far this season. Deploying a rotated squad, the Premier League giants comfortably defeated Huddersfield Town 2:0 away from home. This victory marked their 11th win in the last 15 matches in this competition (with 1 draw and 3 losses). The Citizens enjoyed a dominant period from 2018 to 2021, winning this English cup four times. However, in the last four seasons, they have only reached the quarter-finals once, in 2023.

Key Manchester City Statistics

• No more than three goals were scored in five of the Citizens’ previous matches in this tournament.
• Manchester City has failed to win 4 of their last 5 away matches in the English (1 draw and 3 losses).
• The club has not scored more than two goals in 6 previous away games in this tournament. 

Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1)*

Probable XI

James Trafford – Nathan Aké, Nico O’Reilly, John Stones, Matheus Nunes – Rico Lewis – Savinho, Nico González, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb – Divine Mukasa.

Team News

Defender Abdukodir Khusanov and midfielder Rodri Hernández are unavailable due to injuries. 

Match Official

Referee

Simon Hooper (England)

Referee Statistics

Matches – 8 (Premier League, 2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 38;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.8;

Red cards shown – 2;

Average fouls per match – 25;

Penalties awarded – 13%.

Match Prediction: Swansea vs Manchester City

Tactical Approach and Motivation

It is anticipated that Manchester City will continue to deploy a rotated squad for early-stage Carabao Cup fixtures, especially with their demanding Champions League schedule. Maintaining peak fitness across all players is crucial for a team competing on multiple fronts. In contrast, Swansea City, without such a luxury, will be highly motivated playing against one of England’s elite teams. They will undoubtedly be aiming for a result at home that secures their progression to the next round.

Goal-scoring Expectations

I expect both teams to find the back of the net in this fixture. Swansea has shown a strong attacking record in the Carabao Cup, scoring in 7 of their last 8 matches. However, they have also been vulnerable defensively at home, conceding in their last 6 home cup ties. Manchester City, known for their prolific attack, consistently averages over two goals per game across all competitions. It’s also worth noting that the Citizens have conceded in 5 of their last 6 Carabao Cup encounters.

Final Betting Tip

Therefore, my prediction for this match is “Both Teams to Score – Yes” with odds of 2.05

* Note: For each team, the starting lineup from their previous match in this tournament is indicated.