Manchester City draw Bradford after Rulli's shootout saves against Brighton

Manchester City will host Bradford City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after overcoming Brighton on penalties on Wednesday. BBC Sport reported that the holders were paired with one of only two clubs from outside the Premier League still in the competition, with the last-eight fixtures scheduled for the week commencing 14 December.

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The Guardian reported Rulli saved Ayari and Dunk penalties as City won the shootout 4-3. The goalkeeper's performance came while Gianluigi Donnarumma was among the City players given three days off by manager Enzo Maresca, BBC Sport reported.

Maresca praised Rulli's contribution beyond the penalties, particularly his work in possession against Brighton's aggressive man-to-man approach. He explained that City used longer passes towards Floyd Samba in the first half before looking to play along the ground through Phil Foden after the interval. The manager also highlighted a save during the match.

Despite Rulli's display, Maresca reiterated that the goalkeeper understood his position as Donnarumma's deputy. Rulli had previously spent the 2016-17 season at City without a first-team appearance. His shootout record includes the 2021 Europa League final, when he converted for Villarreal and then stopped Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea's penalty to secure the trophy. He returned to City after James Trafford left for Leeds. Donnarumma's break also included Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Elliot Anderson and Josko Gvardiol, with Maresca seeking to give the group time to recover their energy.

Elsewhere in the draw, Fleetwood Town were handed a home tie against either Everton or Newcastle United. BBC Sport reported that the League Two club, the lowest-ranked team remaining, had reached the quarter-finals for the first time by defeating Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties on Tuesday.

Fleetwood must wait until Thursday's final fourth-round match to discover their opponents. Everton host Newcastle at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the winners set to visit Highbury in December.

The remaining quarter-finals are all-Premier League ties. Liverpool, who needed penalties to eliminate Chelsea, will host Bournemouth. Crystal Palace will welcome Sunderland to Selhurst Park.