German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has insisted Manchester City take the League Cup just as seriously as other competitions as the club aims to win the tournament for a third successive year.
City reached the final on Wednesday following a 3-2 aggregate win over rivals Manchester United. A comfortable 3-1 win at Old Trafford three weeks ago put City in control of the tie, but were made to sweat in a 1-0 defeat at the Etihad on Wednesday.
City have won the last two editions of the League Cup and will this time face Aston Villa at Wembley.
"It feels great to be there for the third time in a row," said Gundogan. "It's always special to travel to Wembley, always big games. Hopefully we can win another final - the third consecutive one in this competition.
"We try to go for it. It's as important as the other competitions. We don't try to think that maybe we would do better if we get knocked out early in this competition to be fresher for the other competitions. That's not how we think.
"We have great players and everyone wants to play and keep their rhythm and form. These games give you the possibility to maintain form and give everyone game time.
"We just see it as a competition where you can win a trophy and obviously that's our target."
League Cup success will be a welcome boost for a side that will likely not retain the Premier League crown given Liverpool's 19-point lead at the top.
FA Cup and Champions League glory remains possible, but Gundogan knows they need to put in a better performance than Wednesday's.
"Especially after conceding the goal, it was too sloppy from us," the Germany international said. "We started really well, created really good chances early and if we score I think it's over and it's done but sometimes we have the issue to concede.
"In some periods in the past we struggled a little bit and we should learn from it because we have big games coming; of course with the Champions League."
City great David Silva has already confirmed this will be his final season at the Etihad Stadium and Gundogan hopes to help his 34-year-old Spanish teammate go out with a bang.
"David is professional enough and we are to go for that trophy," he said of the League Cup. "It's a great chance with being in the final.
"I don't think he needs to win another trophy to say that he had a great career so far but obviously he's a big professional and he wants to go for it so we want to."
The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
MATCH INFO
Rajasthan Royals 158-8 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 143/7 (20 ovs)
Rajasthan Royals won by 15 runs
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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