The Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City will take place on Sunday, March 22, at Wembley Stadium (London, England), with kick-off at 4:30 PM GMT (12:30 PM ET). This marks the second meeting between the two sides this season, following a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. It is the first major trophy of the English season, as Arsenal chase their first silverware since the 2020 FA Cup, while Manchester City aim for Pep Guardiola’s first title since the Community Shield two years ago—after their early Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
Arsenal have won the Carabao Cup twice (most recently in 1992-93), while Manchester City boast eight titles under Guardiola, second only to Liverpool’s record.
Team News and Injuries
Arsenal: The Gunners are monitoring Jurriën Timber, who picked up an injury in the Everton match and missed the midweek win over Bayer Leverkusen. However, Mikel Arteta reports that Timber could be back “in the next few days” and has been called up by the Netherlands. Captain Martin Ødegaard remains a major doubt after missing since the North London derby in February. Mikel Merino is definitely ruled out following foot surgery. Leandro Trossard returned midweek and is competing for a starting spot alongside Gabriel Martinelli. The biggest decision is in goal: Kepa Arrizabalaga will start ahead of David Raya—the goalkeeper who has featured in every domestic cup match this season.
Manchester City: Only Joško Gvardiol is missing from the defense. Mateo Kovačić has returned from a long injury layoff and has been on the bench recently. Bernardo Silva is available after his red card in the Champions League (suspension applies only to European competitions). James Trafford will start in goal ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, as confirmed by Pep Guardiola. Marc Guéhi, Antoine Semenyo, and Nico O’Reilly are likely to return to the starting lineup after being rested midweek.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyökeres.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Nunes, Dias, Guéhi, Aït-Nouri; Rodri, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Silva, Doku; Haaland.
Tactical Analysis and Form
This is the true “bombshell lineup move” that Manchester City never saw coming: Arsenal’s firm decision to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga in the final—a clear strategic choice. Kepa has been the number one in every domestic cup game this season, and Arteta is prioritizing continuity and focus over a last-minute switch. This isn’t just a personal preference; it reflects Arsenal’s “cups are cups” philosophy, ensuring maximum concentration at the biggest moment.
Arsenal are on an unbeaten run since January 25, winning six of their last seven matches across all competitions. Their defense is the best in the Premier League (just 22 goals conceded in 31 matches) and they consistently apply intense pressure against top attacks. A standout strength is set pieces—every Carabao Cup final goal since 2017 has come from a dead-ball situation. Arsenal also carry strong mentality and big-game resilience.
In contrast, Manchester City are struggling for consistency: only one win in their last five matches, including draws against Nottingham Forest and West Ham, plus a loss to Real Madrid. Both their attack and defense have shown clear vulnerabilities, despite a talented squad. City trail Arsenal by nine points in the Premier League (with one game in hand), making the Carabao Cup their most realistic path to silverware this season.
Head-to-head history: The sides drew 1-1 earlier this campaign. Arsenal hold the home advantage at Wembley (Arteta is yet to lose a major match there), while City have squad depth but need to rediscover stability.
Prediction
With their impressive form, rock-solid defense, and set-piece threat, Arsenal are the favorites. Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City.
This match promises to be a tense clash between the Premier League’s two strongest teams. Arteta’s “bombshell” goalkeeper decision could prove the decisive factor, helping Arsenal end their trophy drought and deliver a major shock against Manchester City. This isn’t just a final—it’s Arsenal’s chance to assert their status and prove they are ready for new heights.