Pep Guardiola expects 'big moment' in Man City final as starter confirmed

• Sport
• Football
• Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about what he expects against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final

Pep Guardiola will start James Trafford in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal as he declared it a 'big moment' for his Manchester City team. Gianluigi Donnarumma took Trafford's place in the side when he joined in September but the No.2 has been backed in the cup competitions and will retain his place for Sunday's showpiece.

Trafford looked set for a dream return to City in summer after completing a move back from Burnley, turning down Newcastle's interest to take the No.1 shirt at City. However, he has been left on the bench by Donnarumma for most games and may have to leave the club in summer to get more regular football.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has included Trafford in his squad for the March internationals, albeit four other goalkeepers have also been given the nod in a 35-man group. The City keeper will be sweating over a place at the 2026 World Cup, although starting in a high-profile game will help his cause.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our City WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our City Facebook page by clicking HERE and don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

"For the team, it is a big moment," said Guardiola. "Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is. They have to be here to do the best they can do and after we will see what happens at the end of the season. The important thing is they have to be ready."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a similar decision to make with his goalkeepers. First-choice stopper David Raya has sat out in the League Cup this season, with Kepa Arrizabalaga starting and pushing to play in the final.

Arrizabalaga faced City in the League Cup final in 2019 when Arteta was still Guardiola's assistant, and refused to come off when then-Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri tried to substitute him ahead of a penalty shootout. Arrizabalaga stayed on but could not stop City's penalties as the Blues won out.