Arsenal — Manchester City Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 22 March 2026
On March 22, 2026, in the final of the EFL Cup, Arsenal will host Manchester City. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:30 Central European Time. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this clash.
Arsenal
Arsenal enter this final in high spirits. In their most recent match, they defeated Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League, advancing to the quarter-finals where they will face Sporting CP.
Overall, Arsenal are enjoying a very strong season, performing at a high level across all competitions. In the Premier League, they currently sit 1st, holding a 9-point lead over Manchester City in second place. The team has also reached the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Their current form is outstanding, with a 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Offensively, Arsenal boast the best attack in the Premier League, having scored 61 goals in 31 matches.
However, the EFL Cup has not been a successful competition for Arsenal historically, as they have never won it. Moreover, their head-to-head record against Manchester City in this tournament has been poor, losing their last four meetings.
That said, Arsenal are currently on a six-match unbeaten run against City in recent matches.
Manchester City
Manchester City enter this final in a completely different mood. The team were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after losing both matches to Real Madrid 0–3 away and 1–2 at home.
Overall, their recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches across all competitions. In the Premier League, City are currently 2nd, sitting 7 points ahead of Manchester United in third place.
Offensively, City remain very strong, having scored 60 goals, just one fewer than Arsenal. In other competitions, they are still competitive, having reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will face a tough opponent in Liverpool.
Recent matches, however, highlight defensive issues. City have conceded in five consecutive games, with four of those matches ending with over 2.5 goals, and in those same four games, both teams scored.
Looking at head-to-head encounters with Arsenal, City have struggled in recent meetings, failing to win their last several matches against them. Over a longer period, though, they still hold the overall advantage. Matches between these sides are typically entertaining and high-scoring, with both teams finding the net in six of the last eight meetings.
It’s also worth noting that City are highly decorated in the EFL Cup, having won the competition six times, although they have not lifted the trophy in the last four years.
Probable Lineups
- Arsenal: Raya, Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Mosquera, Zubimendi, Rice, Trossard, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres
- Manchester City: Donnarumma, Ait Nouri, Khusanov, Dias, Nunes, Rodri, Reijnders, Bernardo, Doku, Haaland, Cherki
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- Arsenal have won 6 of their last 7 matches.
- Manchester City have failed to win in 4 of their last 5 matches.
- 4 of Manchester City’s last 5 matches have seen over 2.5 goals.
- In 4 of Manchester City’s last 5 matches, both teams scored.
- Arsenal are unbeaten in the last 6 head-to-head meetings.
- In 6 of the last 8 head-to-head meetings, both teams scored.
Arsenal — Manchester City Prediction
There is no doubt that this match will be one of the highlights of the weekend. Both Arsenal and Manchester City are among the strongest teams not only in England but across Europe. Arsenal are enjoying a fantastic season, showing excellent consistency in all competitions and looking especially convincing in their recent encounters against City. Meanwhile, Manchester City, despite some inconsistent recent performances, remain a team that knows how to win trophies and deliver in big matches. Matches between these sides are typically intense and competitive, often featuring goals from both teams. Considering City’s desire to bounce back from recent setbacks, combined with their defensive vulnerabilities, there is every reason to expect a high-scoring game, with both teams likely to find the net. Recommended bet: Both Teams to Score — Yes 1.7
