The Carabao Cup kicks off its first round with an intriguing clash as Championship side Bristol City hosts League One team Milton Keynes Dons at Ashton Gate. For Bristol City, this match represents a chance to bounce back from a difficult start to their league campaign and find some much-needed momentum. Under the management of Gerhard Struber, the Robins will be looking to their superior squad depth and home advantage to assert their dominance. However, they will be wary of the potential for a cup shock. Milton Keynes Dons, under the management of Paul Warne, comes into the fixture with the same ambition. This is a marquee event for the Dons, offering a chance to test their mettle against higher-tier opposition and potentially produce a famous giant-killing performance.
Bristol City has had a mixed start to their season, with a number of mixed results in their pre-season friendlies and an opening-day defeat in the Championship. The team has been active in the summer transfer window, bringing in several new faces to bolster their squad. They will be relying on their key players, such as forward Scott Twine and midfielder Ross McCrorie, to make an impact. Milton Keynes Dons, on the other hand, comes into the fixture with a strong start to their League Two campaign. They secured a notable 2-0 victory over Barrow AFC in their last outing, with goals from their key players. This match promises to be an interesting tactical affair, with Bristol City expected to dominate possession and Milton Keynes Dons likely to adopt a more defensive approach, looking to hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
Match Details
Competition: Carabao Cup, First Round
Location: Bristol, England
Stadium: Ashton Gate
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM BST / 8:45 PM CEST
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The history between these two teams is a long one, with their most recent meeting being in the FA Cup in 2020. Bristol City won that encounter 3-0. However, Bristol City has an advantage in their recent head-to-head record, with a win and three draws in their last four meetings. Bristol City’s recent form is a concern, with a number of mixed results in their pre-season friendlies and an opening-day defeat in the Championship. Milton Keynes Dons’ recent form is strong, with their win in their last outing a key indicator of their potential this season. The Carabao Cup is a different competition entirely, and both teams will be viewing this match as a chance to secure a crucial win and gain momentum for the rest of their seasons.
Bristol City:
Bristol City enters this match with the pressure of a difficult start to the season. The team will be looking to its key players, including new signings and in-form midfielders, to stabilize the team and deliver a performance worthy of their league status. Manager Gerhard Struber is expected to use this match to give minutes to some of his new signings and to test new tactical setups. The team will be looking to its home crowd for support as they aim to progress to the second round of the cup. With their superior squad depth, they are the clear favorites to win this match.
August 9, 2025: Sheffield United 1–4 Bristol City (Championship)
August 2, 2025: Bristol City 4–0 Real Valladolid (Friendly)
July 26, 2025: Bristol City 0–2 Plymouth Argyle (Friendly)
Milton Keynes Dons:
Milton Keynes Dons is facing a tough challenge against a higher-division opponent. The team will be motivated by the prospect of a cup upset and a chance to beat their rivals. Manager Paul Warne has a number of new signings at his disposal, including midfielder Aaron Collins and striker Callum Paterson, and they will be looking to make an impact in this match. Milton Keynes Dons will likely adopt a defensive and disciplined approach, aiming to frustrate Bristol City and capitalize on any set pieces or counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s resolve and fighting spirit will be their biggest assets in this match, as they seek to pull off a shock result and advance to the next round.
August 9, 2025: Milton Keynes Dons 2–0 Barrow (League Two)
August 2, 2025: Milton Keynes Dons 0–0 Oldham Athletic (League Two)
July 26, 2025: Milton Keynes Dons 1–2 Stevenage Borough (Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Bristol City is expected to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They will rely on their creative midfielders and attacking forwards to create scoring opportunities. The key matchup will be between Bristol City’s attack and Milton Keynes Dons’ defense. For Milton Keynes Dons, the strategy will be more pragmatic, with a focus on staying compact and frustrating their opponents. They will look to the pace of their wingers to launch quick counter-attacks. The match will be a test of Milton Keynes Dons’ resilience against Bristol City’s quality. While an upset is always possible in a cup tie, Bristol City’s superior individual talent should ultimately be the deciding factor.
How to Watch Bristol City vs. Milton Keynes Dons on TV, Live Stream
CountryTV/Live StreamUnited KingdomSky Sports Football, Sky Sports+, TNT SportsUnited StatesESPN+CanadaDAZN CanadaAustraliabeIN Sports
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+, with TNT Sports also providing live coverage. In the United States, you can catch the action on ESPN+. In Canada, the game is available via DAZN Canada, while in Australia, beIN Sports will be broadcasting the match. For all other regions, broadcasting information can vary, so it’s best to check official EFL Cup or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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