8,000 strong crowd to watch Man City V Tottenham in Carabao Cup final
It's a pilot event to test the return of big crowds to games
Last updated 25th Apr 2021
The Carabao Cup final is a big day, not just for Manchester City and Tottenham but for everyone hoping to see crowds returning to outdoor events.
The match today is a key point in the return to normality for sport in England as there will be a crowd of 8,000 watching the match.
It's the largest crowd for a sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic began and, crucially, it will include supporters from both clubs.
The final is a Government pilot event for getting fans back into stadiums, with 8,000 being allowed in Wembley as plans for life after lockdown continue to be tested.
Having supporters in the ground making a noise, even if they will number just a fraction of the stadium’s 90,000 capacity, should make for an uplifting event.
Carabao Cup: On the pitch
With it's significance in terms of lockdown easing, this final is already one of the most significant matches of the season, but there is plenty to look forward to on the pitch as well.
It's a key game for Tottenham who sacked manager Jose Mourinho just six days ago.
Interim head coach Ryan Mason will be aware that Spurs are in desperate need of silverware as they have gone 13 years since lifting a trophy .
Despite numerous Premier League and FA Cup wins, Manchester City have enjoyed the most success in this competition. City are going for a fourth successive title and sixth in eight years and also have one eye on a piece of history.
If they can beat Spurs and lift this year’s crown, it will take them to eight titles overall, which would equal Liverpool’s tally as the most.
Fans could protest against club ownership
With fans finally being allowed back into matches, they could well use this opportunity to protest against the events of this week, where both clubs joined and then quickly left the controversial European Super League.
Some Tottenham supporters have already shown their anger at their owners after gathering ahead of the midweek match with Southampton, but in a game between two clubs that angered not only their own fanbase but also the wider footballing community, there could be a more substantial protest.
Kick-off in the Carabao Cup final is at Wembley at 4:30pm.