Manchester City is poised to clinch their 19th title under manager Pep Guardiola as they prepare to take on Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final this Sunday. Arsenal, on the other hand, will aim to extend their impressive 14-game unbeaten streak.
Both teams are coming off mid-week Champions League matches. Manchester City faced elimination at the hands of Real Madrid, while Arsenal advanced to the quarter-finals, adding to their momentum heading into the final.
Historically, Manchester City has dominated in their Carabao Cup encounters with Arsenal, emerging victorious in all three previous meetings. However, Arsenal has the upper hand more recently, having remained undefeated in their last five clashes with City.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Since joining Manchester City in the summer, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been a standout performer, securing 14 clean sheets across various competitions. Despite conceding eight goals in his last four outings, the Italian goalkeeper has been crucial during pivotal moments this season. With eight cup final victories to his name, Donnarumma is favored over David Raya. However, Guardiola is expected to entrust James Trafford with the goalkeeper duties for Sunday’s showdown.
Although he has conceded eight goals in his last four matches, the Italian has proved vital at key moments this season and already has eight cup final wins under his belt, seeing him get the nod over David Raya – but Guardiola is likely to turn to James Trafford for Sunday’s game.
Sofascore rating: 7.04/10
Gianluigi Donnarumma gets the nod over David Raya, although James Trafford is likely to start
Right back: Matheus Nunes
Having played out of position at right back this season, Nunes has largely impressed. He’s registered six goal contributions, with his latest assist coming against Newcastle in the FA Cup.
He didn’t start against Arsenal when they last faced off in September, but will surely play an important role at Wembley. He gets the nod over Arsenal counterpart Jurrien Timber.
Sofascore rating: 6.91/10
Centre back: Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias has been a stalwart at the back for Guardiola’s side and is one of only three current Man City players that started in their last Carabao Cup triumph in 2021.
Although he was axed at half-time in City’s mid-week Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, he makes this combined XI ahead of the imperious William Saliba.
Sofascore rating: 7.15/10
Centre-back: Gabriel
A solid display against Bayer Leverkusen mid-week saw Gabriel make 11 defensive contributions, including four tackles. The Brazilian defender also won 90% of his duels.
His superiority at set-pieces has made him a crucial goal threat for Mikel Arteta, registering four goals and five assists across all competitions this season. There can be no disputing his place in this team.
Sofascore rating: 7.30/10
Gabriel has been in imperious form at both ends of the pitch for Mikel Arteta this season
Left back: Piero Hincapie
Since joining from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, Piero Hincapie has outshone fellow left-back Riccardo Calafiori and has risen to the fore with important contributions in recent weeks. He came off the bench to assist Viktor Gyokeres’ late strike against Everton last weekend.
Arsenal fans will hope for more of the same against City, with the Ecuadorian edging out Rayan Ait-Nouri for a starting berth.
Sofascore rating: 7.01/10
Defensive midfield: Declan Rice
After scoring mid-week to ensure Arsenal’s progression to the Champions League quarter-final, Declan Rice will be looking to continue his fine form into the Carabao Cup final.
He registered an assist in both semi-final legs against Chelsea and has created the second most chances in the Premier League this season (58). He has been arguably the standout performer in England this season and if Arsenal are to win any silverware come May, he will be at the heart of it.
Sofascore rating: 7.42/10
If Arsenal are to win silverware this season, they will need Declan Rice to be at the top of his game
Defensive midfield: Martin Zubimendi
Having featured in all Arsenal’s league matches this season, Martin Zubimendi has been vital. He helped the Gunners to their 3-2 win over Chelsea in the first semi-final leg with a superb strike past Robert Sanchez.
Arsenal targeted the Spaniard for years before securing his signature, this season he is showing exactly why he was worth the wait. He keeps compatriot Rodri out of this starting eleven.
Sofascore rating: 7.10/10
Right wing: Bukayo Saka
Although Saka is enduring his ‘worst’ goalscoring season since 2020-21, his attacking importance to this Arsenal side cannot be understated. He has contributed nine goals and five assists across all competitions this season.
He has four goal contributions against Man City throughout his career, but is the only Arsenal man to feature in attack in this combined XI.
Sofascore rating: 7.16/10
Bukayo Saka is the only Arsenal star to occupy a position in attack in this combined XI
Rayan Cherki has proven a savvy signing at just £34million last summer
Attacking midfield: Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki helped his side gain a foothold in the final with a 98th minute goal against Newcastle in the semi-final first leg.
He has nine goals, 11 assists, and 69 chances created across all competitions. At just £34m, many would argue that Cherki is one of the best value signings of the season.
Sofascore rating: 7.31/10
Left wing: Jeremy Doku
Despite City’s Champions League exit on Tuesday night, Doku was a constant threat on the left flank and caused Trent Alexander-Arnold all sorts of problems. He made five key passes and completed seven take-ons.
Across all competitions this season, he’s scored three goals and provided nine assists. With the emergence of Nico O’Reilly, he has found league minutes hard to come by – his last start coming in January. But the Belgian will hope his display against the Spaniards will be enough to convince Guardiola to give him a start at Wembley.
Sofascore rating: 7.31/10
There can be no disputing Erling Haaland’s place leading the line in this combined XI
Striker: Erling Haaland
Finishing off a Man City-heavy attack is Erling Haaland and for good reason. The Norwegian has scored 30 goals across all competitions this season, including one in his side’s visit to the Emirates in September.
He has five career goals against the Gunners and will be looking to play a starring role as he searches for an eighth piece of silverware with City on Sunday.
Sofascore rating: 7.28/10
