It’s a huge occasion for both sides. Arsenal haven’t lifted this trophy in decades, so long ago that none of their current players were even born the last time they won it. Manchester City, on the other hand, are chasing their first major trophy since their 2022 to 23 Champions League triumph. Interestingly, this is also the first time the EFL Cup final has been contested by the teams currently sitting first and second in the Premier League.
Talk of a possible quadruple still feels distant for Arsenal, but this final offers them a chance to get their first trophy of the season and finally shake off a League Cup curse that’s lingered for 30 years. Their last win in this competition came back in April 1993, and since then they’ve suffered six final defeats, more than any other team, including a loss to Manchester City in 2018.
Arsenal’s journey to Wembley wasn’t completely smooth, but they got past Port Vale, Brighton, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea to reach the final. Their semi final win over Chelsea sparked wild celebrations, especially when Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal in the second leg.
For Mikel Arteta, this is a big moment. Nearly six years after winning the FA Cup in his first season, he now has the chance to make history by becoming the first Arsenal manager to win his first two major cup finals. He’s got a strong record at Wembley too, going unbeaten in eight appearances there as both a player and a manager.
Form is also on Arsenal’s side. They’re unbeaten in 14 matches and come into this game full of confidence after a comfortable 2 to 0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, making it six wins from their last seven games.
Manchester City’s recent story is a bit more complicated. They had dreams of another quadruple, but those hopes were dashed by Real Madrid, who knocked them out of the Champions League despite a better performance in the second leg. Pep Guardiola faced criticism for his tactics, and although his team improved at the Etihad, it wasn’t enough to avoid elimination.
City still have things to play for domestically, including an upcoming FA Cup clash with Liverpool, but their recent form has been shaky, with just one win in their last five games. If this does turn out to be Guardiola’s final season, it hasn’t quite gone to plan so far.
In the Premier League, Arsenal are firmly in control, sitting nine points clear at the top, even if they’ve played a game more. But when it comes to the League Cup, Manchester City’s pedigree is hard to ignore. They’ve won eight of their nine finals, including their last seven appearances, a remarkable record, and Guardiola could make it five titles in this competition.
Still, Arsenal have had the upper hand recently. Thanks to a late equaliser from Gabriel Martinelli earlier this season, City haven’t beaten them in their last six meetings. If Arsenal can extend that run to seven, it could be the perfect way to end their long wait for this trophy.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
True to form, Mikel Arteta kept things close to his chest when asked about team news ahead of the EFL Cup final, sticking with his usual “wait and see” response regarding both Jurrien Timber, who is dealing with an ankle issue, and captain Martin Odegaard, who has a knee concern.
Mikel Merino has already been ruled out for the weekend because of a foot injury. There was a bit of worry around Eberechi Eze after a scare in the second leg against Bayer Leverkusen, but he quickly brushed it off and is expected to be fine.
Arteta also chose not to reveal who will start in goal. That said, Kepa Arrizabalaga has been solid whenever called upon and could get the nod ahead of David Raya at Wembley, especially considering his experience on this stage.
Pep Guardiola, in contrast, was much more open about his plans. He confirmed that James Trafford will start in goal for Manchester City, replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma for the final.
City have only one injury concern, with Josko Gvardiol sidelined due to a calf problem. However, Guardiola will also be without January signing Marc Guehi, who is ineligible for the match. Even so, Guehi was only on the bench in the recent loss to Real Madrid, so his absence may not change things too much.
There could still be a tweak in defence, with John Stones potentially coming in for Abdukodir Khusanov. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva’s red card in midweek does not affect his availability for this game.
Up front, Erling Haaland will be eager to make his mark at Wembley. He has yet to score there despite six previous attempts, and this final gives him another big chance to finally break
that streak.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Trafford; Nunes, Dias, Stones, Ait-Nouri; Silva, Rodri, O'Reilly; Cherki, Haaland, Semenyo
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City
Even though there will be desperation on both ends to conquer the EFL Cup this weekend, that is unlikely to translate into the goal-laden, engrossing affair many will be hoping for.
That said, if there is one team who can find a route to goal when all avenues are seemingly blocked off, and keep said lead when their opponents are huffing and puffing, it is the set-piece specialists.
