The EFL League Cup Final of the 2017/18 season is about to see Arsenal clash with Premier League leaders, Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday night. Both the teams are on different paths as far as their seasonal ambitions go, but the final trophy of this competition is what they are mutually gunning for.
Even if Manchester City are the heavy favourites to get the win it is hard to rule out the Gunners altogether. Arsene Wenger and his men are currently in the 6th spot of the Premier League and were on the embarrassing end of a 1-2 loss to Östersunds FK in their UEFA Europa League Round of 32 second leg.
While the North London club did get to progress to the next round based on aggregate goals (4-2), the Arsenal faithful were disappointed to see their side put up such a torrid display against a relatively inexperienced side.
Their domestic campaign has been woeful other than the League Cup itself and Sunday might just be their best chance of winning any silverware this season. You get to decide whether the tables will turn in their favour but before we come up predictions let us look at Manchester City’s current status as well.
The Citizens ended their hopes of winning the quadruple after the 1-0 loss to League One side, Wigan Athletic earlier in the week. It was one of those cursed days when nothing seems to go in your favour. Pep Guardiola’s men had 29 attempts on goal but none of them managed to get past Christian Walton.
The former Barcelona manager was not satisfied with the controversial decision to send off Fabian Delph but in the end had to return to the Etihad and start preparing for this fixture.
Arsenal have not won the competition since 1993 and City lifted the trophy 2 seasons back.
Arsenal Team News
Wenger is hopeful of having Aaron Ramsey back in the squad for this match. The Wales International has missed the last 3 games with a groin injury and the medical staff are monitoring his progress.
Mesut Ozil is also expected to be fit for Sunday after undergoing flu-like symptoms. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is rested and fit to appear in the striker role. Alexandre Lacazette and Santi Cazorla are ruled out.
Manchester City Team News
Fabian Delph is suspended while Gabriel Jesus is still doubtful. Leroy Sane is available for selection.
Pep Guardiola has revealed that Raheem Sterling’s appearance is doubtful.
Key Men
Aubameyang will have a major hand in breaking up the high City backline with his pace and backdoor runs while Mesut Ozil will go head to head with City’s Kevin De Bruyne. The duo will be the crucial figures in setting up their respective teammates.
Kun Aguero is still in red-hot form after the 4-goal thrashing he dealt out to Leicester City in the weekend.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Wilshere, Xhaka; Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Ramsey; Aubameyang
Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Otamendi, Danilo; Fernandinho, David Silva, De Bruyne; Sane, Bernardo Silva, Aguero
Odds
Arsenal Win: 11/4
Draw: 13/5
Manchester City Win: 10/11
