Man City trying to change Carabao Cup rules

Manchester City are in the process of trying to persuade the EFL to increase the number of permitted substitutions in Carabao Cup games to five.

Currently only three changes per game are allowed. That matches the rules in the Premier League, although there have been consistent calls over the past 12 months to increase that limit following a temporary rule change to lessen the physical demands on players during ‘Project Restart’.

Attempts to increase the number of substitutions allowed in Premier League games have so been unsuccessful, but City have now also turned their attention to the Carabao Cup.

The Daily Mail writes that City, who have won the last four editions of the Carabao Cup, have lobbied the remaining sides in this season’s competition and have contacted the EFL to request the change. They want it put in place in time for the last 16 later this month.

It is said that the move was triggered by manager Pep Guardiola, who had previously been one of the loudest voices on increasing substitutions in the Premier League.

The EFL did permit five substitutions per game to be made in the semi-finals and final last season – the semi-final was also reduced to a single leg rather than the usual two. However, a similar change is considered unlikely to happen this season, particularly as it may be seen as unfair on clubs who have already been knocked out with the existing rules in place.

There is said to be support for City’s plans from some of the other 15 clubs in the competition. But others also remain sceptical and are concerned such a move would benefit bigger sides like City who have the luxury of deeper squads.

City will face West Ham in their next Carabao Cup game on 27 October. Meanwhile, Liverpool travel to Preston, Chelsea host Southampton and Arsenal host Leeds, among other ties.

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