Huddersfield Town A.F.C. vs Manchester City F.C. Timeline, Prediction, Lineups, and Where to Watch the Carabao Cup Clash
The Carabao Cup returns with an exciting David vs Goliath battle as Huddersfield Town A.F.C. prepare to face Manchester City F.C. in the third round. With City expected to rotate their squad and Huddersfield keen to prove themselves against Premier League opposition, this encounter promises drama, tactical battles, and the possibility of a surprise result.

Huddersfield vs Man City Timeline and Historical Meetings
The fixture will take place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Accu Stadium in Huddersfield, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 pm BST.
Past encounters between the clubs highlight City’s dominance. In their last five meetings:
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Manchester City won four times.
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One match ended in a draw.
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The most recent clash came in January 2024, when City swept Huddersfield aside with a 5–0 FA Cup victory.
Huddersfield will hope to use their home advantage and cup momentum to script a different story this time.
Huddersfield Town Team News and Expected Lineup
Manager Lee Grant has revitalized Huddersfield since taking charge, guiding them through wins over Leicester City and Sunderland to reach this stage. However, he faces selection challenges.
Injuries:
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Herbie Kane
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Lynden Gooch
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Jack Whatmough
Likely Key Players:
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David Vost – stability in midfield
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Leo Castledine – Chelsea loanee with attacking drive
Predicted Huddersfield Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Position | Player |
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Goalkeeper | Nicholls |
Defense | Sørensen, Feeney, Wallace, Roughan |
Midfield Pivot | Vost, Kasumu |
Attacking Mid | Charles, Castledine, Alves |
Striker | Taylor |
Manchester City Rotation Plans and Predicted XI
Pep Guardiola will rotate heavily, resting star names after a busy schedule. Injuries and absences also shape the squad.
Out or Rested:
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Erling Haaland (back issue)
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Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Mateo Kovačić, Omar Marmoush (injuries)
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Abdukodir Khusanov (knock)
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Rodri (rested)
Likely Starters:
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James Trafford in goal
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John Stones and Stephen Mfuni in defense
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Foden and Silva expected to carry attacking responsibility
Predicted Manchester City Lineup (4-1-4-1):
Position | Player |
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Goalkeeper | Trafford |
Defense | Nunes, Stones, Mfuni, Aké |
Midfield Pivot | Nico |
Attacking Mid | Bobb, Reijnders, Savinho, Silva |
Striker | Foden |
Guardiola’s bench may also feature academy talents like Divine Mukasa, offering valuable game time to City’s next generation.
Huddersfield vs Man City Prediction and Betting Insight
Given Manchester City’s depth, they remain firm favourites. However, Huddersfield will aim to exploit set pieces and defensive lapses from a rotated City squad.
Recent Betting Angles:
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Asian Handicap –2.25 in City’s favour reflects expectations of a comfortable win.
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Correct score markets lean towards 4–0 or 2–0 to City.
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Some analysts back a narrower 1–2 City victory, factoring in rotation.
This makes the huddersfield vs Man city prediction particularly intriguing: while City’s quality is overwhelming, Huddersfield’s determination could keep the contest tighter than expected.
Broadcast and Live Coverage Details
Fans can follow the action across multiple platforms:
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UK: Live on Sky Sports Premier League
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Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live commentary
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International: Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video in the United States
Supporters worldwide should verify local broadcast schedules, as regional rights vary.
Key Tactical Points to Watch
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Early Intensity – Will Huddersfield press City high or sit compact?
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Set-Piece Battles – Huddersfield could look to exploit City’s rotated defense.
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City’s Rotation Impact – Fringe players like Bobb and Reijnders have a chance to shine.
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Substitution Strategy – Guardiola’s second-half changes may tilt the balance.
Huddersfield Town vs Man City Lineups Compared
Category | Huddersfield Town A.F.C. | Manchester City F.C. |
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League | League One | Premier League |
Manager | Lee Grant | Pep Guardiola |
Key Absentees | Kane, Gooch, Whatmough | Haaland, Rodri, Kovačić, Aït-Nouri |
Predicted Formation | 4-2-3-1 | 4-1-4-1 |
Danger Men | Castledine, Taylor | Foden, Silva, Savinho |
With City looking to balance their domestic and European ambitions, Huddersfield have a rare chance to challenge a giant under the lights. For the Terriers, pride and resilience will be key; for Guardiola, it is another step in defending silverware.