Arsenal's Goalkeeper Gamble Revealed: Key Injury Updates and Starting XI That Could Shock Man City
Arsenal aim to break their six-year silverware drought as they head to Wembley Stadium this weekend for their Carabao Cup final encounter against Manchester City.
Arsenal have been competing with Man City in the Premier League championship race for several months and now face a direct confrontation with Pep Guardiola's squad for a trophy. The Catalan's former protégé, Mikel Arteta, understands that success in Sunday's showcase match keeps the quadruple aspiration alive.
The Gunners have claimed the EFL Cup on just two prior occasions, last winning in 1993, and they will be viewed as favorites going into their first final in this tournament since losing to City in 2018.
Arsenal Sweating on Jürrien Timber Availability
Arsenal will be anxious to see Jurriën Timber rejoin the squad for the weekend. An injury picked up against Everton last weekend forced the right-back to miss Wednesday night's triumph over Bayer Leverkusen, but there is optimism he will be ready at Wembley with Arteta indicating it would be a "matter of days" before his return.
Another key figure that Arsenal are desperate to include is Martin Ødegaard, the captain having been missing since the north London derby in February. Arteta's midfield choices are already restricted with Mikel Merino a long-term casualty.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, who infamously declined to be substituted for Chelsea in the 2019 Carabao Cup final, has featured in all domestic cup matches this season and seems likely to keep his spot ahead of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Man City (4-2-3-1)
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—As noted, Kepa has experience in this fixture. The former Chelsea keeper has been defeated twice in penalty shootouts in the Carabao Cup final—missing the crucial spot kick in 2022—and will hope to break his losing streak on Sunday.
RB: Jurriën Timber—Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera remain as backup options but if Timber is reasonably fit ahead of such a significant encounter, expect him to feature.
CB: William Saliba—Saliba continues to wait for his first major trophy as an Arsenal player and few merit silverware more than the Frenchman, who has been so crucial to the club's recent resurgence.
CB: Gabriel—The Brazilian will resume his rivalry with Erling Haaland on Sunday afternoon but will be encouraged by the fact his Norwegian opponent has failed to find the net in all eight of his cup final appearances for City (including the Community Shield).
LB: Piero Hincapié—Antoine Semenyo could well be the challenging opponent facing Hincapié at Wembley as both players pursue a trophy in their inaugural seasons with their respective clubs.
DM: Martín Zubimendi—Zubimendi's elegant midfield displays continue to go unnoticed and he will aim to overshadow fellow Spain international Rodri in Sunday's midfield duel.
DM: Declan Rice—The composed midfielder is frequently Arsenal's key player for major occasions and his knowledge of Wembley as a regular in the England squad could prove beneficial.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Another player familiar with Sunday's venue is Saka, who is the sole member of the current Arsenal roster who was part of the squad during the 2020 FA Cup final victory.
AM: Eberechi Eze—Eze has pleasant memories of cup finals at Wembley, netting the decisive goal for Crystal Palace against Sunday's opponents in last season's FA Cup final. Following his recent scoring streak, including a midweek spectacular, his confidence will be at its peak.
LW: Leandro Trossard—Arteta faces a choice at left wing following Trossard's recent recovery from a minor injury problem. The Belgian could edge out Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke for a starting role.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—Arsenal's imposing Swede can etch himself into Arsenal history with a performance on Sunday. He's aiming to outshine fellow Scandinavian striker Haaland on the grand stage.