Seven pundits predict Man City vs Arsenal in Carabao Cup final and one side has the edge

Arsenal and Manchester City face off in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon for the season's first chance at silverware

Manchester City and Arsenal clash in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday with both sides seeking to secure the season's opening piece of silverware. While the Gunners command the Premier League title race, City will be looking to avenge their midweek Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid.

Arsenal progressed to the quarter-finals following a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, while City exited Europe after suffering a 5-1 aggregate defeat to their Spanish opponents. Focus now shifts to Wembley and the opportunity to seize a psychological edge before the season's final few games.

City trail Arsenal by nine points in the league - but they do have a game in hand and could heap further pressure on Mikel Arteta's squad with victory in the final. On the other hand, the Gunners could establish greater mental separation from City by claiming their first trophy since the Community Shield in 2023.

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Judging by recent performances, Arsenal ought to hold the advantage. The Gunners advanced in Europe and are enjoying a 13-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, which featured a thrilling victory over Everton last weekend.

City have secured just one victory from their previous five outings and that came in the FA Cup against Newcastle. Two losses to Real Madrid, alongside draws with West Ham and Nottingham Forest, have ended their European aspirations and hindered their domestic campaign.

However, a one-off cup match between the two teams presents a different scenario, with form likely not factored in. Here, the MEN examines the predictions of seven of the game's leading pundits ahead of Sunday's clash.

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Paul Merson - Arsenal win

Merson is backing his old side to lift the trophy against City. Speaking to Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal player said: "If I had to choose a team, I would go Arsenal.

"But that doesn't mean it will be straightforward. We're aware Manchester City can play, and if they hit their stride, they can damage any team."

The ex-England international is of the opinion that if the Gunners do clinch the Carabao Cup, then the quadruple dream could become a reality. Merson added: "I believe the quadruple dream is still very much alive if the Gunners win this final.

"The Premier League is wrapped up, they've got a favourable draw in the FA Cup and face Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final. I'm aware they could meet Barcelona or Atletico in the semi-final, but we all know how tough they are to overcome as a team. So I'm not abandoning hope!"

Joe Cole - Arsenal win

Cole will be attending the final as a spectator rather than an analyst and anticipates seeing his former city rivals lift the trophy. Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, the ex-Chelsea star said: "I'm not working on the Carabao Cup final but I'm going as a fan which I actually haven't done for a long time.

"I fancy Arsenal, I think Arsenal beat them. Having watched Man City live, I fancy Arsenal – but it's a great game for the neutral.

"I'll make another prediction, I think there will be a bit of needle and a little bit of nastiness on the benches. There's a lot of tension building at this point in the season so look out for that."

Chris Sutton - City win

Sutton doesn't believe this final will influence the title race and feels Arsenal are dominating the Premier League. However, he does think that Guardiola will triumph over his former colleague and secure the Carabao Cup via penalties.

The pundit wrote on his BBC Sport column: "I don't think this game has any bearing on the Premier League title race. The narrative that has been doing the rounds for a long time is that whoever wins this game wins the title, but that is not the case now - City are not catching Arsenal whatever happens at Wembley.

"City are out of the Champions League now but I have got to say I thought they were brilliant on Tuesday against Real Madrid, before and after they went down to 10 men. They went for it and they were not just brave, they created plenty of chances.

"With the unpredictable nature of the Premier League this season, I anticipate a very different game. I fear this will be a really drab and uneventful encounter, with both teams playing it safe. Prediction: 0-0 after extra time, City to win on penalties."

Tim Sherwood - City win

Former Tottenham player Sherwood has tipped City to hoist the cup by Sunday afternoon's end. Speaking on Premier League Productions, he said: "They play in the cup final against each other as well. I think Man City might win that one."

On the subject of the title race, Sherwood added: "But I don't see them winning the Premier League, I think that's gonna be red and white ribbons on that cup, and very, very soon."

Alan Shearer - Arsenal win

Alan Shearer watched his beloved Newcastle clinch the Carabao Cup a year ago. This time, his team were knocked out by City in the semi-finals.

He believes the Gunners will avenge the Magpies in what he predicts will be a closely contested match at Wembley. He told Betfair: "I think it'll be a great game. I think there'll be loads of talking points. It wouldn't even surprise me if it went to penalties. But I think Arsenal might just edge it. I think it'll be a really, really tight game, but I'm going to back an Arsenal win.

"There is pressure on both clubs and pressure for different reasons. There is talk about this being Pep's last season. Man City have been nowhere near what they've been in the past in terms of their defence. They've given so many opportunities away which was summed them up the other night against Real Madrid.

"It'll be a highly charged game. There'll be plenty of excitement. There'll be a bit of bite in the game as well because of obvious reasons. But I'm really looking forward to the game. It should be a great Sunday with Newcastle kicking off early and then the Cup final as well. So yeah, it'll be amazing."

Gabby Agbonlahor - Arsenal win

Aston Villa legend Agbonlahor predicted that Arsenal will claim the Carabao Cup while analysing the Champions League on talkSPORT. Speaking prior to City's elimination from Europe, he said: "Arsenal win, Arsenal win, Ally (McCoist), for me.

"I just think they know how important that game is. I just think when I look at Man City, I just think Gabriel (Magalhaes) and (William) Saliba are going to be so aggressive on (Erling) Haaland, the form that he's been in.

"And I think it's going to get spicy on the touchline. I know they're friends, (Mikel) Arteta and Guardiola, but I think everything's on the line in this game."

Clinton Morrison - City win

Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison thinks City will secure the trophy at Wembley, though he doesn't believe it will influence the Premier League title battle. He told FreeBets: "Something in me says City can do it.

"Arsenal are favourites, but I think this game is actually more important for Man City than it is for Arsenal right now. I think Arsenal will win the Premier League regardless of what happens on Sunday, I just can't see City catching them. But for City, this is a must-win. If they lose the Carabao Cup and they're out of the Champions League, they've only got the FA Cup left to play for. That's not where Manchester City expect to be.

"It's absolutely massive for Man City. They've won trophies for fun in recent years and now their season is going to be defined by this one afternoon at Wembley. But that gives me confidence in them, they know how to turn up for finals, they know how to win at Wembley. Both teams will go for it, there's a lot of quality on show, and I think it'll be a brilliant final. But I'm backing City."