Pep Guardiola makes Arsenal claim ahead of Carabao Cup final and reveals early Man City team news | OneFootball

A fifth Carabao Cup final in ten years for the Man City manager

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed James Trafford will start the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

Trafford, a summer signing from Burnley, began the season as Man City’s first-choice goalkeeper but lost that status following the arrival of Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Trafford, therefore, has been restricted to appearances in the domestic cup competitions ever since - as well as one outing in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen.

The 23-year-old, as expected, started both semi-final ties against Newcastle and earned praise from Guardiola for his performances, particularly in the second leg as he made a series of fine saves to keep the Magpies at bay.

“He is going to play in the first Carabao Cup final for him."

Up for the cup: James Trafford

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City’s appearance at Wembley on March 22 will mark their a fifth Carabao Cup final in ten years under Guardiola and the Spaniard is relishing the opportunity to face “the best team right now in Europe”.

“I’m really pleased. It’s not for granted I know how difficult it is. I don’t know how many semi-finals we played so it’s really good,” he added.

“In 10 years, five times [we have reached the] Carabao Cup final so it’s really good. Top, top, top.

“Except last season we have been an incredible machine there day by day and that’s good.

“For many of us, myself included, I’m really happy to come back. And for many players that have not been in the final of the Carabao Cup or in a final with this club.

It’s a good thing to experience against maybe the best team in Europe or the world right now for many reasons

Pep Guardiola

“It’s a good thing to experience against maybe the best team in Europe or the world right now for many reasons, the way they play and the stats.

“It will be a good experience for us, hopefully try to arrive in March with everyone fit and ready and we can make a good game against them.

“To reach the final you have to be consistent over two games - 180 minutes and we were really good. In general, to make a 5-1 aggregate is really good.”