As Wembley prepares to host the season’s first major domestic final, attention turns to the clash between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, with both sides aiming to claim the Carabao Cup.
While Arsenal arrive in strong form across competitions, former forward Paul Dickov believes Manchester City may hold a crucial psychological edge heading into Sunday’s encounter.
The Gunners booked their place in the final after overcoming Chelsea, while City progressed by defeating holders Newcastle United.
For Guardiola, the occasion presents an opportunity to further cement his legacy by lifting the trophy for a fifth time. Arsenal, meanwhile, are chasing their first major silverware since the 2020 FA Cup and remain in contention on multiple fronts this season.
Arteta’s team continue to impress domestically and in Europe, sitting comfortably ahead in the Premier League while advancing in both the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Yet Dickov has suggested that such success could come with a hidden risk — a potential shift in focus away from the League Cup final.
“I think it’s going to be one hell of a game,” Dickov told Metro via Online Casino. “I think it’s slightly changed over the last couple of weeks.
“Maybe two weeks ago, people looked at the cup final as a marker to where the Premier League would sort of finish up, with one team getting one up on the other and getting a bit of advantage for the run-in for the Premier League.”
He added: “I think the Arsenal now being 10 points clear, I would say it’s completely out of their hands now for the Premier League.
“So going into the game Sunday now, I actually feel that there’s more at stake for City than there is for Arsenal.”
Dickov believes the shifting landscape of the season has placed greater importance on the final for Manchester City. With Arsenal holding a commanding league position and progressing deep into Europe, he suggested their priorities may lie elsewhere.
“Arsenal possibly have got bigger fish to fry now, looking at the Champions League, getting into the quarter-finals where there’s every chance with the draw that they’ve got that they can go all the way, and obviously being 10 points clear in the Premier League,” he explained.
“So I think priority probably lies with Manchester City and Arsenal might not be fully focused, which two weeks ago wouldn’t have saved that, but it just shows you how quickly things can change.”
From City’s perspective, the final represents not just a chance for silverware but also an opportunity to reassert themselves after a dip in form. Dickov believes that hunger could prove decisive against an opponent balancing multiple ambitions.
The two sides have already met in the league this season, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring late to secure a draw for Arsenal. Arteta’s men have also enjoyed a positive recent record against City, going unbeaten in their last six meetings across competitions.
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However, Dickov expects the dynamics of a final to produce a different outcome.
“I think there are going to be goals, I really do think so,” he said.
“Sometimes you build up these finals, the big games, and you’re expecting fireworks and it ends up being a ball nil-nil draw and going to penalties. But I can’t see that at all.
“I think it’s the two best teams in England by a country mile. If you’ve got to push me, I just think the last couple of weeks, what’s happened with City dropping off, I think they might have that a little bit more about them to go on and win it on Sunday.
“I’d possibly say it’s more important to them to win on Sunday and get that trophy. Whereas Arsenal, will they have eyes in the Premier League? Will they have eyes in the Champions League going forward? I think that might swing this match in Manchester City’s favour.”
With both teams boasting attacking quality and tactical intelligence, the final promises to be a compelling contest. Yet if Dickov’s assessment proves accurate, Manchester City’s sharper focus and greater urgency could tilt the balance in their favour when it matters most.
