March 22, 2026 | Carabao Cup Final | Wembley Stadium | 4:30 PM GMT
It’s final day.
Arsenal step onto the Wembley stage for their biggest domestic cup moment in years, facing Manchester City with silverware on the line.
This is more than just a game. It’s a chance to end a six-year trophy drought, silence the noise, and deliver the moment this squad—and Mikel Arteta—have been building toward.
Team News & Selection Dilemmas
Goalkeeper Decision
The big question: David Raya or Kepa?
Kepa has started every round en-route to the final, and Arteta has a history of rewarding cup consistency. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him trusted again—even if Raya remains the undisputed No.1.
Defence
- Right-back: Jurrien Timber returns.
- Centre-backs: William Saliba & Gabriel expected to start if fit.
- Left-back: Piero Hincapié likely to edge it, with Calafiori an impact option.
A strong, balanced backline—physical enough to deal with City, but technical enough to build from deep.
Midfield
- Declan Rice anchors.
- Martin Zubimendi provides control.
- Eberechi Eze adds creativity.
With Martin Ødegaard still a doubt, Eze’s form couldn’t have come at a better time. He brings flair and unpredictability—something Arsenal will need to unlock City.
Attack
- Bukayo Saka starts on the right—this is his stage.
- Left wing: Trossard (control) or Martinelli (pace).
- Striker: Kai Havertz likely leads the line.
Viktor Gyökeres offers a powerful option off the bench against tired legs.
Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Havertz, Trossard/Martinelli
Manchester City Threat
You already know what Manchester City brings.
Under Pep Guardiola, they remain the benchmark—tactically flexible, technically elite, and ruthless in big moments.
Expect:
- Heavy possession dominance.
- Smart use of half-spaces.
- Punishing transitions.
And of course, the constant threat of Erling Haaland in the box.
This final will likely be decided in midfield.
- Arsenal: High press, vertical transitions, wing play
- City: Control, patience, positional dominance
Set-pieces could be decisive—both teams are dangerous in dead-ball situations.
The duel between Rice and Rodri could define everything.
Arteta’s Message
“We’re really prepared and confident… When you’ve gone years without winning a trophy, it adds more necessity but also more drive. We deserve to be here, and we’re going to try to win it together.”
You can feel it—this team believes.
The Stakes
This is not about the title race.
This is a one-off final.
- End the trophy drought.
- Change the narrative.
- Give this squad belief.
For Arteta, it’s personal. For the fans, it’s overdue.
City may be the favourites on paper. But Arsenal arrive with momentum, hunger, and a point to prove.
Wembley. Under the lights. A final against the best.
This is the moment.
❤️🤍 COYG
Let’s make it ours.
