Arsenal
- The EFL Cup final will feature a clash between the Premier League's top two teams and is sure to provide a fascinating tactical chess match with bragging rights and a piece of silverware at stake.
- They recorded a 2-0 win away at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and a 4-1 North London derby victory over Tottenham.
- Declan Rice has controlled the midfield, providing the stability to allow Bukayo Saka to flourish as their main attacking threat.
- Kai Havertz has become their penalty-taker and a late-game specialist.
- Arsenal’s solid form has been punctuated by late goals and set pieces, which have become their primary threat.
Manchester City
- Pep Guardiola’s side have two wins, two draws and a heavy loss at Real Madrid in their last five and strolled into this final with a 5-1 aggregate win over Newcastle.
- Antoine Semenyo has made an instant impact at the Etihad, coming off the bench to score the winner at Leeds.
- Omar Marmoush has been a revelation as a goal threat from the bench, scoring a brace against Newcastle.
- The Norwegian is a clinical finisher and will be keen to bounce back from his lack of impact in Madrid, while Kevin De Bruyne has been a magician in big games for City and can turn the tide of the match at any moment.
Head-to-Head
- The Gunners are on a roll and have gone unbeaten in each of the last three meetings between the sides.
- Those meetings include a 1-0 home win in October 2023 and a 1-1 draw in September 2025.
- Both of those results came in the Premier League.
- Arsenal sit top of the table with 67 from 30, while City are second with 60 from 29.
Key Players
- Declan Rice has controlled the midfield, providing stability to allow Bukayo Saka to flourish as their main attacking threat.
- Kai Havertz has become their penalty-taker and a late-game specialist.
- Antoine Semenyo has made an instant impact at the Etihad, coming off the bench to score the winner at Leeds.
- Omar Marmoush has been a revelation as a goal threat from the bench, scoring a brace against Newcastle.
- Erling Haaland is a clinical finisher and will be keen to bounce back from his lack of impact in Madrid.
- Kevin De Bruyne has been a magician in big games for City and can turn the tide of the match at any moment.
Betting Insights
- Arsenal to win at 2.32.
- Man City at 2.98.
- Draw priced at 3.25.
- Both teams to score at 1.73.
Prediction
- Our pick: Draw at 3.25.
- Expect a cagey affair that could go to extra time or penalties.
- The winner may be decided by one moment of quality or a well-rehearsed set-piece routine.
