Mansion Sports – The third-round clash of the 2025/2026 Carabao Cup between Huddersfield Town and Manchester City promises to be a match worth following closely.

The game will take place at Accu Stadium, where the League One side will attempt to spring a surprise against one of the giants of the Premier League. Kick-off is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 19:45 local time.

In the dramatic setting of a domestic cup tie, the encounter will serve not only as a stern test for Huddersfield but also as a vital opportunity for Manchester City to demonstrate the depth and strength of their squad.

Huddersfield Town Determined to Continue Their Carabao Cup Surprise Run

Huddersfield Town approach this fixture with tremendous spirit despite being the underdogs. Now competing in League One, the third tier of English football, the Terriers have already proven their capability by eliminating stronger opponents in previous rounds. 

Both Leicester City and Sunderland fell to Huddersfield, victories that earned the side growing attention in this year’s cup competition.

Under the guidance of head coach Lee Grant, Huddersfield have made a solid start to their league campaign with five wins, one draw, and three losses from nine games, placing them fifth in the table.

Nevertheless, their recent form has dipped, with only one victory from their last four league outings.

Outside of league play, however, Huddersfield have displayed freedom and confidence. Their penalty shootout wins over Leicester and Sunderland, combined with a dominant 6-2 victory over Newcastle United U21 in the EFL Trophy, highlight their ability to thrive in knockout formats.

Motivation and the lack of pressure could serve as their greatest weapons when facing Manchester City.

Manchester City Enter as Favorites with Clear Ambitions

On the other side, Manchester City approach the tie as clear favorites. Pep Guardiola’s men are historically one of the most successful teams in the Carabao Cup, winning four consecutive titles between 2018 and 2021.

Their dominance in the competition reflects the seriousness with which they approach every tournament.

Although the beginning of their 2025/2026 campaign has been somewhat inconsistent, recent results show signs of revival. 

City claimed an important derby win against Manchester United, defeated Napoli, and held Arsenal to a draw in the Premier League. With such momentum, they will aim to extend their positive run against Huddersfield Town.

For Guardiola, this match also provides a strategic advantage. Beyond securing progression, it offers an opportunity to rotate the squad and provide valuable minutes to fringe players.

Even so, the ultimate objective remains unchanged: paving the way toward the season’s first trophy.

Head-to-Head Record Favors Manchester City

History leans heavily in favor of Manchester City. Huddersfield Town still recall their resounding 5-0 defeat to City in the FA Cup earlier in 2025.

The record underscores the gulf in quality between the two clubs, and Huddersfield will need to deliver a flawless performance to mount any real challenge.

While the odds appear heavily stacked against them, cup football has a long history of dramatic upsets. 

With the backing of their supporters and renewed confidence from earlier cup success, Huddersfield may yet spring an unexpected resistance.

Predicted Lineups for Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City 2025

Huddersfield Town (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Nichols
• Defenders: Sorensen, Feeney, Wallace, Roughan
• Defensive Midfielders: Vost, Kasumu
• Attacking Midfielders: Charles, Castledine, Alves
• Striker: Taylor
• Manager: Lee Grant

Huddersfield will be without several key players, including Herbie Kane, Lynden Gooch, and Jack Whatmough.

Despite these absences, Lee Grant is expected to rely on the core lineup that has taken them this far in the competition.

Joe Taylor is set to remain the focal point in attack, supported by Dion Charles, Leo Castledine, and Will Alves, whose creativity will be crucial in generating attacking opportunities.

Manchester City (4-5-1)

• Goalkeeper: Trafford
• Defenders: Nunes, Stones, Ake, Lewis
• Midfielders: Bobb, Silva, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Savinho
• Striker: Foden
• Manager: Josep Guardiola

Manchester City arrive with several absentees. Mateo Kovacic, Rayan Ait Nouri, Omar Marmoush, and Rayan Cherki are all sidelined due to fitness issues, while Erling Haaland’s availability remains uncertain following a back injury.

As a result, Guardiola is likely to entrust James Trafford with goalkeeping duties once more, while fringe players such as Savinho, Rico Lewis, Nico Gonzalez, and Oscar Bobb are expected to feature from the start.

The third-round Carabao Cup tie between Huddersfield Town and Manchester City carries a compelling narrative. Huddersfield will look to extend their fairytale run, while City aim to maintain consistency and edge closer to silverware.

Although the disparity in quality is evident, football’s unpredictability ensures that the stage is set for an exciting contest at Accu Stadium.

Will Huddersfield carve out history, or will Manchester City once again display their dominance? The answers await under the floodlights.