Carabao Cup 2025-26: Trafford to start ahead of Manchester City in final, Guardiola confirms

James Trafford will start in goal for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday ufdh.

The 23-year-old, a product of City’s youth academy, returned to the club in July and started the first three Premier League games of the season but has played second fiddle since the arrival of Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day.

Most of Trafford’s starts since then have come in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and he said last month he did not expect to be second-choice goalkeeper at the Etihad this season.

During his press conference on Friday, Guardiola confirmed Trafford would start and when asked if he was happy with the goalkeeper’s comments about his limited chances, he said: «Good, nothing to say.»

«Players can be happy or unhappy, it is what it is. We have to do our best when they do, and then we have to see what happens at the end of the season.»

GREAT OPPORTUNITY

Guardiola, who joined City in 2016, will be looking to earn his fifth win in the competition when his side take on Arsenal in Sunday’s final at Wembley Stadium, a happy hunting ground for the Spaniard.

“We have been to Wembley 22 times in ten years, it is an honor and a great challenge,” said Guardiola, who has also won two FA Cups and three Community Shields there.

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«For the team it is a big moment. When we reach the final, regardless of the competition, it is always tough. We see the level in Europe, other competitions and any competition.»

“To be there, we have to see it as a big opportunity because we never know when it will happen again.”

ARSENAL CHALLENGE

City are winless in their last six meetings with Arsenal in all competitions and have also failed to overtake the London club in the Premier League title race this season.

«They control many things and aspects of the game, for years winning has provided that boost and you see solidarity in all aspects,» Guardiola said.

“They control, defend deep, high build-up, long ball, second balls, lots of good things. Fluidity in the build-up, they are not a consistent pattern, more fluid.

«In the Champions League they won all the group matches and drew the last one against Bayer Leverkusen. The Premier League only lost three matches. They are an exceptional team, it is a big challenge for us to see our level.»

Published on March 20, 2026