The first trophy of the year is up for grabs, the Carabo Cup, and it’s the high-flying Gunners from North London taking on the Sky Blue Cityzens.
The competition, historically known as the League Cup, feels like it’s lost its spark in recent times. With many regarding it disparagingly as the “energy-drink cup”.
But, this one seems to have a bit more behind it.
Arsenal recently went nine points clear at the top of the Premier League ahead of second-place Manchester City. With many believing this is finally Arsenal’s season.
Let’s look at the final, though. In recent times, Manchester City have dominated this competition.
From 2018 to 2021, City won the cup four times in a row.
They have a second-best eight League Cups, with their most recent triumph coming against Arsenal in that 2021 final.
As for Arsenal, it’s safe to say this competition isn’t their strong point.
Just the two League Cups in their cabinet, one in 1987 and the next coming in 1993.
It’s the Gunners’ first appearance for eight years in this final, and they will certainly want this win, seen as they are still on for a quadruple this season.
Let’s look at recent meetings between the clubs.
The last time they met was all the way back in September at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a 1-1 draw between them, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a 93rd-minute equaliser to cancel out Erling Haaland’s goal in the ninth minute.
This final sets up their meeting at the Etihad in April, which very much may feel like a final itself, with a lot being on the line.
Considering Arsenal’s restored nine-point lead at the top of the league, it may be over before it started.
Wembley will, of course, be the setting. Fans have been advised not to travel to the stadium without a ticket due to it being a sellout.
Speaking of fans, let’s get their take. I spoke to Omar Malik, from Derby, but a Manchester City fan.
He said: “We’re going into the game after getting turned over by Real Madrid, and they didn’t even have their best players, so obviously I’m very worried.
“We have Joško Gvardiol injured too, which is a worry, and with the lack of goalscoring at the moment, I’m going to predict a 2-1 Arsenal win.”
An under-confident Man City fan, and going off recent performances, I must say I’m not surprised.
What do Arsenal fans think? I spoke to Dylan Sims, from Lancaster.
He said: “Being top of the league, still being in the FA cup and Champions League, it gives me confidence going into a final, this all shows that mentality we are better this season compared to others.
“I genuinely think we will make it look easy against City, especially defensively, as they look weak in attack compared to the start of the season.
“If we can keep Haaland and the new lad Semenyo quiet, I think it could be an easy day at the office. We just need our attack to be on top form, which they have been recently.
“I’m predicting that the game will end 3-1 to Arsenal.”
What have the paths to the final been like for both sides?
Arsenal started with a trip to Port Vale in the third round.
An easy 2-0 win was the outcome. They went on to face Brighton in round four and again won the game 2-0.
Things got a bit trickier for them in the quarter finals, Crystal Palace took them to penalties that finished 8-7 to Arsenal.
To the semis, a familiar foe waited in Chelsea. The first leg dramatically finished 3-2.
The second leg was 0-0 until the 97th minute when former Chelsea player Kai Havertz scored against his former club, making it 1-0.
A strong passage to the final with some tough tests in there.
Let’s look towards their opponent, Manchester City.
Their third was a 2-0 win away to Huddersfield Town
They then played Swansea in the fourth round, where yet again they breezed past them in a 3-1 away from home.
In the quarter final, they played Brentford, their first Premier League opponent and played at home for the first time in this year’s competition; it was another 2-0 win to City.
In the semi-final, they played Newcastle united that on paper should have been a close affair but ended up being 5-1 to City over two legs.
All roads eventually lead to the final, in what should be an exciting clash between the two Premier League giants.
For all of you looking to put a bet on the game, here’s the bookie’s favourite for the match.
Latest odds coming to you from Oddschecker tell us that Arsenal are the favourites at 10/11, while Man City sit just behind at 11/10.
Other markets show a similar picture with Arsenal at 7/5 to win, a draw is at 12/5, and Man City at 2/1.
No matter what the bookies say I’m sure it will be another unforgettable meeting between the sides and a great day out at Wembley
