Arsenal vs Man City Carabao Cup final: Gabriel and Haaland predictions

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Arsenal face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, with the Gunners seeking to end their trophy drought that stretches back to the 2020 FA Cup triumph.

The north London side enter the final as favourites despite City’s impressive record in the competition, having won it five times in the last decade. Arsenal remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple this season, still competing across all four competitions.

Writers back Arsenal to break trophy drought

Football.london’s panel of writers have delivered their predictions for Sunday’s 4:30pm kick-off, with the majority backing Arsenal to lift the silverware.

Several writers highlighted Gabriel Magalhaes as a potential goalscorer, with the Brazilian centre-back enjoying what many consider his best season since arriving in England. The defender’s aerial threat from set-pieces could prove crucial against a City side expected to start James Trafford in goal.

However, Erling Haaland remains a significant concern for Arsenal. The Norwegian striker has found the net in each of his last three appearances against the Gunners and is tipped by some to extend that run at Wembley.

Key battles identified

The midfield duel has been identified as potentially decisive, with Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze facing off against a City trio likely to include Rodri and Bernardo Silva.

Arsenal’s recent form gives cause for optimism, having won six of their last seven fixtures across all competitions. The team’s defensive solidity has been particularly impressive this campaign, though they face the challenge of containing both Haaland and Antoine Semenyo.

Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead Arsenal’s attack, with the striker’s big-game experience highlighted as a potential difference-maker.

Historical context adds pressure

City boast an impressive record in League Cup finals, winning their last seven appearances in the competition’s showpiece. Their most recent victory over Arsenal in this competition came in 2018 with a 3-0 triumph.

Arsenal’s trophy drought extends back five and a half years, making Sunday’s final particularly significant for Mikel Arteta’s project. The match represents the first domestic final of the 2025/26 season.

Most predictions favour tight margins, with several writers expecting the contest to potentially require extra time. The psychological boost of lifting silverware could prove invaluable for whichever side emerges victorious, particularly with both teams locked in a Premier League title race.

The stage is set for another chapter in the Arsenal-City rivalry, with Wembley split between red and blue as both sets of supporters dream of silverware.