Carabao Cup final is a big moment, says Pep | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says Sunday’s Carabao Cup final between City and Arsenal will be another big moment for the Club.

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The Wembley clash brings together the top two teams in the Premier League with City and Arsenal also still in contention for the FA Cup as well as fighting for the title.

The Blues will step out at Wembley seeking to record what would be our ninth League Cup final win overall.

Under Guardiola’s remarkable stewardship, the club have enjoyed a fine record in the competition, winning the League Cup four years in a row between 2018 and 2021.

And as he looked ahead to Sunday’s showpiece, the boss stressed how much the final meant to the Club.

“We have got to Wembley 22 times in 10 years, it’s an honour and a big challenge,” said Guardiola.

“For the team it’s a big moment.

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“[When] we reach the final, no matter the competition, it’s always tough.

“We see the level in Europe, other leagues and any competition.

“To be there we have to see it as a big opportunity because we never know when it will happen again.”

Looking ahead to Sunday, the boss confirmed that James Trafford will start in goal.

And he said City were braced for a tough challenge from the Gunners who currently lead the way in the Premier League.

“They control many things and aspects of the game, for many years winning makes that boost and you see solidarity in all aspects,” Pep added.

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“They control, defend deep, high build-ups, long ball second balls, many good things.

“Fluidity in the build-up, they’re not a consistent pattern, more fluid.

“In the Champions League they won all the group stage games and just drew the last one against Leverkusen and Premier League only lost three games.

“They’re an exceptional team, its a big challenge for us to see our level.”