Our top football pundit gives an exhilarating preview of the EFL Cup final kicking off on Sunday 25 February 2017.
It’s a high-stakes clash as Arsenal take on the mighty Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup final this Sunday. What’s thrilling is they go head to head again just four days later in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, are the strong favourites this season, having dominated the league and even bested Arsenal earlier in the Premier League.
However, don’t count Arsenal out just yet – they’ve got a rich history of lifting trophies at Wembley, winning their last three finals there. Their recent victory over Chelsea in May proved they can defy the odds. Currently, Arsenal are sixth in the Premier League with 45 points, trailing City by 27 points, who are leading the league by a mile.
EFL Cup Final | Sunday 25 February | Wembley Stadium | 18:30
To Win (90 mins)
Arsenal 39/10 | Draw 33/10 | Manchester City 6/10
Penalty Shootout
Yes 13/2 | No 1/20
Arsenal
The Gunners’ heartache at Wembley in their previous Premier League clash was a narrow 1-0 loss to Tottenham. Before that, Arsenal enjoyed an incredible run, winning nine consecutive games at Wembley, including two victories over Manchester City (3-0 in the 2014 Community Shield and 2-1 in last year’s FA Cup final). Wenger has yet to lift the League Cup, having reached the final only twice in his long spell, making this match particularly important.
Arsenal’s journey in the Carabao Cup was eventful. They edged past Doncaster Rovers thanks to Theo Walcott’s strike in the third round. A nail-biting fourth-round tie against Norwich saw 18-year-old Edward Nketiah steal the show, scoring twice late on to send Arsenal through. The quarter-final was a tight 1-0 win over West Ham, followed by a tough aggregated 2-1 victory over Chelsea to reach the final.
Missing key players like Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with Aaron Ramsey doubtful, Arsenal will rely heavily on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil to shine if they want to beat the Citizens.
Manchester City
Manchester City faced a shocking FA Cup exit on Monday against third-tier Wigan Athletic, losing 1-0 after Fabian Delph’s red card left them down a player. Delph will miss the cup final against Arsenal. City are eager to shake off this disappointment and prove their dominance over Arsenal, having defeated them 3-1 in the Premier League earlier this season.
City’s Carabao Cup run started with a solid 2-1 win over West Brom thanks to Leroy Sane’s brace. They faced stiff resistance in the fourth round, drawing 0-0 with Wolves before goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved two penalties in the shootout. Another tense penalty shootout followed against Leicester, with Bravo once again saving a crucial spot-kick to secure a 4-3 shootout win. City then clinched their spot in the final with a thrilling 3-2 aggregate victory over Bristol City.
Verdict: Manchester City to Win (6/10)
Expect a tight, high-quality contest with City edging it in normal time.
