The first piece of major silverware is up for grabs this weekend, as the top two sides in the Premier League meet at Wembley this Sunday, with Arsenal facing Manchester City.
Arsenal are looking to potentially start a windfall of trophies under Mikel Arteta with their first League Cup triumph since 1993, whereas Manchester City are looking for a much-needed confidence boost following their dismal exit in Europe at the hands of Real Madrid.
The Gunners look assured to win the Premier League this season, as the North London side has a nine-point lead over their opponents for this fixture. Arsenal are in excellent form, with the league leaders unbeaten in their last 14 matches in all competitions following their 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek. Domestically, Arsenal have won their last five matches, including cup competitions and against Manchester City, the Gunners are unbeaten in the last six meetings between the two sides.
Declan Rice is having a stellar season at the heart of the Arsenal midfield, with another match-winning performance in the Champions League this week. Arsenal have been the king of set pieces in the Premier League this season, with 21 scored, and the delivery of Declan Rice could cause problems for a Manchester City defence that has lacked physicality this season.
Manchester City's defeat to Real Madrid in midweek has now seen Pep Guardiola's men go three games without a win in all competitions. The Citizens have not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches, meaning their attack will have to produce, but they are relying on striker Erling Haaland, who has scored three goals in his last 12 appearances. Manchester City's recent record at Wembley has seen them lose their last two cup final appearances against Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
Arsenal are in great form right now, and the momentum is certainly with the league leaders. It's unlikely that this game will be a goal fest, given how few than 2.5 goals have been scored in four of the last five games involving Arsenal. However, their defensive capabilities mean they can shut out Manchester City with a misfiring centre-forward.
Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City
