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Carabao Cup

Darren Bent's Carabao Cup Semi-Final predictions

Find out who the former England striker is backing to book a place at Wembley...

6 January 2020

Former England Darren Bent believes Manchester City and Leicester City will contest this season's Carabao Cup Final at Wembley.

Manchester City face rivals Manchester United in the upcoming Semi-Finals, while Leicester will take on Aston Villa over two legs.

Speaking as part of the latest episode of 'Carabao Cup Magic Moments' ahead of the first legs on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 January, Bent made his predictions for the two ties, starting with the Manchester derby.

"I'm going to say Manchester City, but then again I said that before [when they went head-to-head in the league]. I never back against Manchester City, no matter who they're against, because on any given day they can destroy anyone," he said.

"I think it will be another good game, but I think Manchester City will win this one. Pep Guardiola shows this competition a lot of respect and he's done really well in it before; I think that with the second leg being at home for them, they'll be too strong."

As for the other Semi-Final tie, a Midlands derby between Leicester and Villa, Bent can only see it going one way.

"I think Leicester can win this competition and get into the top four this season. They're easily one of the top four sides in the country; they've got a great manager and they're having a great season," he added.

"They're going to fancy themselves in the Semi-Final against a team who are battling against relegation. They'll be seeing themselves in the Final already so, for me, they're in the perfect situation.

"If Villa can go all the way, it would be massive for [manager] Dean Smith. He's a Villa fan, and so I think he'd take winning this trophy over [surviving] relegation. To win a trophy for the club he's loved since he was a little boy, I think he'd take that tomorrow.

"Villa Park will be rocking in the second leg, the Holte End will be crazy. As a former Villa player, I'd love to see them get through, but I think Leicester right now are too strong."


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