This is the year the Carabao Cup has entered into managed decline - not because of Manchester City or Guardiola - but because it is being marginalised by football’s wider expansion, writes Richard Jol

Just two days after their top-of-the-league clash with Arsenal, Manchester City go again on Tuesday, this time in the Carabao Cup, as they host Championship side Watford.  While Pep Guardiola's side have rightfully earned their reputation as an almost unstoppable force in English football,

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits he does not want to "waste energy" in the Carabao Cup. City claimed their place in the fourth round with a largely comfortable 2-1 win over Watford at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.