2025-2026 Carabao Cup Finalists Confirmed After Man City Vs Newcastle Clash

Manchester City and Arsenal will contest the 2025-2026 Carabao Cup final after both sides secured convincing semi-final victories to book their places at Wembley.

Manchester City sealed their spot with a dominant 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Wednesday night, completing a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate triumph. Holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, Pep Guardiola’s side wasted little time asserting control at the Etihad Stadium.

Omar Marmoush struck twice in quick succession during the opening half to effectively end Newcastle’s hopes, before Tijjani Reijnders added a third goal before the first-half break.

Anthony Elanga later produced a brilliant solo effort for the visitors, though it proved nothing more than a consolation in an otherwise one-sided match.

The result sets up a mouth-watering final against Arsenal, who had already confirmed their place after defeating Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate in the other semi-final.

The Gunners’ progression marks their first major final since August 2020, when they lifted the FA Cup, which remains the only significant trophy of Mikel Arteta’s managerial reign so far.

The final is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium, with kick-off time yet to be confirmed.

It will also serve as a repeat of the 2018 Carabao Cup final, when City claimed a 3-0 victory through goals from Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva.

Since then, however, Arsenal have enjoyed improved results against their Manchester rivals, adding extra intrigue to the upcoming showdown.

In terms of team news, Arsenal could be without Mikel Merino, who is expected to miss much of the remainder of the season due to a foot injury that requires surgery. The club has indicated that the midfielder is targeting a return to full training before the campaign ends.

Arteta also faces a decision in goal, with Kepa Arrizabalaga serving as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper so far this season, while David Raya remains the first choice in the league.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are hopeful that John Stones, Savinho and Mateo Kovacic will return from injury in time for the final, although Josko Gvardiol is expected to remain sidelined.

James Trafford, who has featured in City’s cup run, is likely to retain his place between the posts following an impressive semi-final display.

Marc Guehi, who previously scored against Arsenal while playing for Crystal Palace earlier in the competition, will not be eligible for the final after joining City beyond the registration cut-off.

Beyond the trophy itself, the final carries significant psychological weight, as both clubs are also locked in a tight Premier League title race.

Guardiola’s side boasts an outstanding record in the competition, with the Spanish coach holding the record for the most Carabao Cup titles won by a manager.

However, Arsenal’s recent success against City suggests the final could be finely balanced, with many tipping the North London club to end their six-year wait for a major title.

Head-to-head record
Arsenal wins: 101
Manchester City wins: 65
Draws: 48