Arsenal line-up vs Man City predicted with two stars set to miss Carabao Cup final

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• Carabao Cup

Arsenal and Manchester City will meet at Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup final this afternoon with more than just a trophy on the line

Manchester City and Arsenal will battle it out for the first trophy of the season this afternoon when they face each other in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium. The game holds even greater relevance considering the two sides are locked in a battle for the Premier League title.

Whoever wins will have a psychological edge over their opponents heading into the run-in, as well as the clash between these two next month. While Pep Guardiola has already confirmed James Trafford will start in goal, Mikel Arteta has kept his cards closer to his chest ahead of the final.

Considering Kepa Arrizabalaga started in the semi-final against Chelsea, he is likely to keep his spot in the Carabao Cup ahead of David Raya. Jurrien Timber picked up an injury against Everton and did not feature in the Champions League. Considering his importance, Arteta may wish to rest him particularly as Ben White can fill in at right-back.

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Gabriel and William Saliba are the first choice centre-back duo, regardless of the competition. They will only miss out if they are injured. Piero Hincapie should round off the back four. Earlier in the season, Arsenal played a 4-3-3 against City and we expect them to do so again today.

Declan Rice is a key player for them and is guaranteed to start, as is Martin Zubimendi who has stepped up in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard. The Norway international is likely to be at Wembley in his role as captain, but could miss out on the squad due to a long-term injury.

Joining them in midfield could be Eberechi Eze. The former Crystal Palace man downed City in the FA Cup final last season and has rediscovered his form in recent weeks.

Up front, Viktor Gyokeres is likely to lead the line after a mixed first season at the Emirates Stadium. Bukayo Saka did not start the last time these two met but should keep his spot as could Leandro Trossard, having grabbed an assist in the victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal predicted XI vs City: Arrizabalaga; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard