Carabao Cup Final 2026 Preview

PROBABLE LINE UPS FOR BOTH TEAMS:

When this final was confirmed, a lot of people were saying that it could decide who wins the Premier League title.

But now I don't see it being that kind of game because Arsenal pretty much have the title in the bag as they're nine points clear.

Arsenal haven't won this competition since 1993 when they won it under George Graham and have lost their last three finals in this competition, one of which was against City back in 2018.

Mikel Arteta is under pressure this season not just to win the Premier League, but win a major trophy and he has the perfect opportunity here to do that.

The FA Cup in 2020 has been his only success since taking over and although there has been a lot of progression under his management, he needs that trophy to prove it.

Man City haven't had a good record at Wembley in recent seasons as they've lost 7 of their last 13 visits there with two of them being against Arsenal in the 2023 Community Shield and FA Cup semi finals in 2020.

It hasn't been a good week for Pep Guardiola's side as they fell further behind in the Premier League title race by dropping points at West Ham before going out of the Champions League in midweek to Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola will be determined for his side to put the past week behind them and I'm sure he will because he's a manager who sets a very high standard for his players and he knows how to prepare for a cup final.

PREDICTION:

This game will definitely be close because of it being a cup final and the quality of players on show for both teams. With Arsenal in the better form and the favourites to win this game, I've got to back them to win this game because of the strength of squad they have and I think the winning goal will come from one of their subs.

FS: 2-1