Wembley will host the first major final of the English football season as Arsenal face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup showpiece.
Both sides arrive in strong form, setting up what many expect to be a closely fought contest between two of the country’s dominant teams.
Arsenal’s journey to the final has been particularly impressive. The North London side produced commanding performances over two legs against Chelsea in the semi-finals, showing both attacking flair and defensive organisation.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City matched that feat by overcoming Newcastle United with authority, underlining their pedigree in knockout competitions.
Despite the balance between the teams, former England international Paul Merson believes Arsenal may have the edge when it matters most.
The Gunners have enjoyed a strong run in recent meetings with City, going unbeaten in their last six encounters against the Sky Blues.
That record adds an intriguing layer to a fixture that already carries significant weight, not just for the trophy but also for momentum in the wider season.
Both teams remain in contention for the Premier League title, yet attention now shifts firmly to Wembley, where the first piece of silverware will be decided.
For City, the competition has been something of a specialty under Guardiola, who has guided the club to multiple League Cup triumphs in recent years.
Arsenal, by contrast, have a far less decorated history in this tournament, with their last success dating back more than three decades.
Sunday presents a significant opportunity to bring an end to that lengthy drought. Arsenal lifting the trophy would not only mark a milestone for the current squad but also signal their continued development into a team capable of competing across multiple fronts.
Merson, writing in his column with Sportskeeda, made it clear that while the match is unlikely to be straightforward, Arsenal’s current form gives them reason for optimism.
He said: “If I had to pick a team, I would go Arsenal. However, that doesn’t mean it will be easy. We know Manchester City can play, and if they get going, they can hurt any team.”
His assessment reflects the broader expectation surrounding the final. City’s ability to dominate possession and control games makes them a formidable opponent, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Yet Arsenal’s recent performances suggest they have developed the resilience and tactical discipline required to compete at the highest level.
Beyond the immediate contest, Merson also pointed to the wider implications of a potential Arsenal victory. He believes success at Wembley could fuel ambitions of a historic season for the club, keeping alive hopes of multiple trophies.
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“I believe the quadruple dream is still very much on if the Gunners win this final. The Premier League is done and dusted, they have a good draw in the FA Cup and face Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final,” he added.
The former midfielder acknowledged the challenges that could lie ahead in Europe, noting the calibre of potential opponents later in the competition.
Still, he expressed confidence in Arsenal’s collective strength, suggesting they have the qualities needed to overcome even the toughest tests.
“I know they could face Barcelona or Atletico in the semi-final, but we all know how difficult they are to beat as a unit. So I’m not giving up hopes!”
As anticipation builds ahead of kick-off, the stage is set for a compelling encounter between two sides with contrasting histories in the competition but equally strong ambitions.
Merson predicted a tightly contested affair, with Arsenal just doing enough to come out on top.
His predicted scoreline: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City.
