The 2025/26 season’s first major trophy is up for grabs on Sunday, 22 March 2026, as Arsenal face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30 GMT (12:30 ET / 17:30 local time in the UK).
This blockbuster clash pits the Premier League leaders against the defending champions of the competition in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Arsenal sit top of the table with a nine-point advantage over City (who have a game in hand), while both sides have shown impressive paths to the final—Arsenal overcoming Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, and City advancing past Newcastle United 5-1 on aggregate.
Context and Build-Up
Arsenal enter the final in excellent form, boasting an unbeaten run in recent head-to-head meetings against Manchester City across all competitions. Mikel Arteta’s side have not lifted a major trophy since 2020, and this represents a golden opportunity to end that drought, boost morale, and strengthen their bid for a potential league title or more. The Gunners’ defensive solidity has returned in recent weeks, with back-to-back clean sheets underlining their credentials as serious contenders.
Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, have a storied history in the Carabao Cup, including four consecutive triumphs between 2018 and 2021. However, the current campaign has brought challenges, including a UEFA Champions League exit. Erling Haaland remains the focal point of their attack, but questions persist around squad consistency and the ability to respond under pressure. The final carries added significance as a potential psychological blow or boost in the ongoing Premier League title race, with the two sides set to meet again in the league later in the season.
Expect a tactical, intense battle likely to be settled by fine margins, set-piece execution, or moments of individual quality from stars such as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, or Haaland.
Team News and Injuries
Arsenal
- Confirmed out: Mikel Merino (foot injury).
- Doubtful: Jurrien Timber (knock/ankle), Martin Ødegaard (knee). Ødegaard is expected to be assessed late and could feature on the bench if fit; Timber has a chance of returning.
- Goalkeeper debate: Kepa Arrizabalaga has started every Carabao Cup match this season and is widely tipped to retain his place ahead of David Raya.
Manchester City
- Ineligible: Marc Guehi (joined after the January cut-off for this competition).
- Injured: Josko Gvardiol (calf); no other major concerns reported.
- James Trafford is confirmed to start in goal, with Pep Guardiola likely to rotate and select a strong but fresh XI.
Predicted Lineups
Lineups are based on consensus from recent reports and expert previews. Both teams are expected to deploy attacking setups, with Arsenal often favouring a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape and City a flexible 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
Arsenal (predicted 4-2-3-1 or similar):
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Jurrien Timber (or Ben White), William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié (or Riccardo Calafiori); Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard (or Noni Madueke/Gabriel Martinelli); Kai Havertz (or Viktor Gyökeres).
Key debates include the goalkeeper choice, Timber’s fitness at right-back, Eze’s midfield role, and whether Gyökeres starts up front. The back four has looked particularly resilient lately.
Manchester City (predicted 4-2-3-1):
James Trafford; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov (or John Stones), Rayan Aït-Nouri; Rodri, Bernardo Silva (or Will O’Reilly); Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden (or similar rotation), Jérémy Doku (or Antoine Semenyo); Erling Haaland.
City are expected to lean on experience with Rodri anchoring midfield and Haaland leading the line, while emerging talents like Cherki and Khusanov could feature prominently in a rotated but competitive side.
Predictions and Expert Views
Most analysts view this as a closely contested match, but Arsenal are narrow favourites thanks to their league position, defensive organisation, and recent dominance in encounters with City.
Common predicted scorelines include:
- Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City (frequent pick, highlighting Arsenal’s confidence and City’s current vulnerabilities).
- Some forecasts lean toward a 2-0 or 1-0 Arsenal win, or a tense affair heading to extra time and penalties.
The consensus is that Arsenal’s structure and Wembley atmosphere could prove decisive, though City’s quality—particularly Haaland’s finishing and set-piece threats—means they remain dangerous. A City victory would represent a significant response to their recent inconsistencies.
This final could serve as a defining moment for both campaigns, potentially shaping momentum heading into the decisive phase of the Premier League season.
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and ITV in the UK, with international coverage available on major sports networks and streaming platforms (including Paramount+ and DAZN in select regions). Check local listings for exact channels and streaming options.
A thrilling, high-quality showdown is anticipated under the Wembley arch. Whether Arsenal finally secure long-awaited silverware or City add to their Carabao Cup legacy, the 2026 final is set to deliver drama, tactical intrigue, and memorable moments.
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