Man City vs Tottenham predictions: Where the Carabao Cup Final will be won and lost

Dan Kilpatrick @Dan_KP23 April 2021

Spurs and City face off in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley, with Tottenham’s interim head coach Ryan Mason taking charge of just his second game since succeeding the sacked Jose Mourinho - and he will have his work cut out against one of the managerial masters of the game in Pep Guardiola.

With plenty of talking points both on and off the pitch, here are some of the key areas where the Final could be won and lost...

Missing centre-halves

Man City’s John Stones will miss out through suspension after being sent off against Aston Villa but Spurs are also missing a centre-half, with Joe Rodon ineligible.

Rodon cannot play in the Final
Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Rodon was Jose Mourinho’s standout defender before the Portuguese sacking but Mason is set to go with Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier, who has had an error-strewn season.

Star men a doubt

Premier League’s assist-kings Harry Kane and Kevin de Bruyne are both doubts for the match, leaving their managers with tricky decisions.

Kane is an injury concern
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

City may not risk De Bruyne, particularly with a Champions League semi-final on the horizon but Kane will surely start if he can.

The England captain will be wary of the risk of long-term damage ahead of the Euros, however.

Lo Celso or Lucas

If Kane is fit, Mason’s other big selection call is whether to go with Lucas Moura or Giovani Lo Celso as the fourth attacker.

Tottenham Hotspur Training Session
Lo Celso will be hoping for a starting role
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Both Mourinho favourites work hard but while Lucas adds an element of chaos and has big-game pedigree, Lo Celso would add more protection in midfield and has scored against City this season.

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