Carabao Cup Final: Arsenal vs Manchester City
It is the first showpiece occasion of the season.
Silverware is at stake, the first trophy of the 2017/18 campaign up for grabs and, fittingly, football games between these two clubs are usually exactly that – football games!
The two managers involved like their sides to play the ‘beautiful game’, so Wembley could witness a sports betting spectacle for that reason alone.
Wembley is a happy hunting ground for Arsenal, who start this final as underdogs.
Aside from a league reverse at Spurs earlier this month, the Gunners have enjoyed a 10-match winning streak at the home of English football, including a 2-1 defeat of Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup semi-final en route to their record 13th success in the competition.
As Wenger prepares to take his side back for his 13th final with the club, there is mixed news with Aaron Ramsey only a ‘possibility’ to be ready and Mesut Ozil also in a race to prove his fitness. But, at least there is a chance both men can make it.
The long-serving Frenchman is chasing a victory which would mean a win in every domestic trophy during his tenure at the club and will not need reminding of his frustrations after League Cup Final defeats to Chelsea (2007) and Birmingham (2011).
Much has been written about Manchester City’s style and superb form this season, but boss Pep Guardiola will be well aware they have won nothing yet.
In fact, despite an incredible outlay, he is still chasing his first silverware at the Etihad Stadium some 20 months after his arrival.
This presents an opportunity for the club to seal a second League Cup success in three years and a chance to bounce back from their extraordinary FA Cup defeat to Wigan.
The behaviour of Guardiola during that defeat left much to be desired and he was fortunate to escape censure from the Football Association.
There is no doubt this time he will be on his best behaviour as he looks to put a frustrating night behind him and guide City to what would also be their third League Cup triumph in five years.
Wembley holds a special place in Guardiola’s heart for it is where he won the European Cup with Barcelona as a player in 1992 (the club’s maiden triumph in that competition) and as manager in 2011.
It also seems the perfect venue for Kevin De Bruyne, the clear favourite to be named footballer of the year, to show his array of gifts.
We’re all set for the first major final of the season and, if as exciting as last year’s when Man Utd edged past Southampton in a five-goal thriller, we are in for a treat.
The VAR system (video assistant referee) will be in use at Wembley, but let’s hope it is just the football that is being talked about long after the final whistle after recent controversies.
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