Six reasons Man City fans know Chelsea or Liverpool FC are only getting our Carabao Cup on loan

What on earth are we supposed to do with ourselves today? It’s like Christmas Day but Santa hasn’t brought any presents.

In this instance, Santa is actually a thin bald man but Carabao Day just isn’t the same without Pep Guardiola and a band of diminutive creatives bringing home the goods.

Liverpool or Chelsea should be in no doubt: the weird three-handled trophy is on loan.

Manchester City’s dominance of the League Cup amounts to six wins in the previous eight editions. Picking a favourite late winter's day out at Etihad South (aka Wembley) is probably a bit like ranking your children.

These were all special days but here they are - from the very enjoyable indeed to the absolutely immense.

6) Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester City (2020)

The League Cup has become a springboard for Premier League title glory over recent years (come on, Chelsea!) and there’s no doubt a little bit of the shine is taken off any success that didn’t lead to further celebrations in May.

Admittedly, that sounds a bit spoilt and City’s 2020 win over Aston Villa is still very fondly remembered as Phil Foden’s true breakout moment. An assist for Sergio Aguero’s decisive goal after Rodri headed the Blues into an early lead and a dazzling all-round showing saw the then 19-year-old named man of the match.

But the sight of Guardiola’s side struggling after establishing an early advantage was in keeping with a frustrating season and the final whistle was accompanied by relief as much as elation. This game also occupies a curious place in history, taken in as it was by a sold-out Wembley at the start of March. A couple of weeks later the whole world was in lockdown and it was surreal to think it had even happened at all.

5) Manchester City 1-0 Tottenham