Man City XI vs Arsenal: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Carabao Cup final

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Evening Standard

·20 mars 2026

Man City XI vs Arsenal: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Carabao Cup final

Dilemmas facing tinkering tactician ahead of Wembley cup clash

Pep Guardiola faces several selection dilemmas as Manchester City prepare to take on Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.

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The City manager goes in search of the campaign’s first major silverware without arguably his best centre-back, given January signing Marc Guehi is ineligible for the final having joining City after the competition’s cut-off point.

Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined, so it will likely be one of John Stones - freshly recalled for England duty after a series of injuries - or Abdukodir Khusanov - a bright spark in the midweek Champions League defeat by Real Madrid - partnering Ruben Dias in central defence.

Another decision facing Guardiola is where to play Nico O’Reilly.

Where Guardiola chooses to play 20-year-old O’Reilly could influence the rest of City’s line-up

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The young Englishman has impressed in several roles for City this term, beginning the campaign at left-back before returning to his natural central midfield berth and even enjoying some prolific outings as a left winger.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s availability means O’Reilly can probably be deployed in one of the latter two positions after a midweek rest, while skipper Bernardo Silva should continue alongside Rodri in midfield despite his dismissal on Tuesday.

One selection call has already been made by Guardiola, who revealed on Friday that cup ‘keeper James Trafford will keep his place between the posts ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The City boss also confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Erling Haaland is “ready” for Sunday’s final after his early midweek substitution.

James Trafford has been City’s goalie of choice in the domestic cup competitions this term

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The key remaining questions then surround Guardiola’s choice of attacking support for the Norwegian, who is expected to start.

Two up top is one option, with Omar Marmoush or Antoine Semenyo partnering Haaland, while Semenyo has also been fielded as a No10 and a winger since his arrival.

The creative Rayan Cherki could be useful in breaking down the Gunners, but pacey wide men Jeremy Doku and Savinho are also pushing for inclusion. Phil Foden has struggled for gametime recently and may find it difficult to get a look in here.

Predicted Man City XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Rodri; Cherki, Semenyo, O’Reilly; Haaland

Injured: Gvardiol

Venue: Wembley Stadium

Date and time: 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, March 22, 2026

How to watch: Sky Sports and ITV