Arsenal faces Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup final, vying for the season’s first trophy. The match carries extra weight as both teams compete fiercely for the Premier League title. A victory here could provide a crucial psychological boost ahead of their upcoming league clash and the title run-in.

Goalkeeper Selection

Pep Guardiola has confirmed James Trafford will start in goal for Manchester City. Mikel Arteta remains selective with his team news, but Kepa Arrizabalaga appears set to retain his place after featuring in the semi-final against Chelsea, ahead of David Raya.

Defensive Line and Key Absences

Jurrien Timber sustained an injury during the match against Everton and sat out the Champions League fixture. Given his significance, Arteta may opt to rest him, with Ben White capable of covering right-back duties.

Gabriel and William Saliba form the preferred center-back partnership across competitions, assuming no fitness issues. Piero Hincapie is expected to complete the back four.

Midfield and Forward Setup

Arsenal deployed a 4-3-3 formation earlier this season against City and is likely to repeat it. Declan Rice anchors the midfield as a certain starter. Martin Zubimendi has filled in effectively during captain Martin Odegaard’s long-term injury absence, with Odegaard potentially watching from the stands.

Eberechi Eze could join them in midfield, having impressed recently after his standout FA Cup final performance against City last season.

Viktor Gyokeres leads the attack following a solid adaptation at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka returns to the starting lineup after sitting out their previous encounter, alongside Leandro Trossard, who provided an assist in the recent win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Predicted Arsenal XI

Arrizabalaga; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard