james trafford will start in goal for Manchester City on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, Pep Guardiola confirmed, with the manager sticking to his domestic-cup selection policy. The decision lands as City chase a major trophy while Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, keep their own goalkeeping plans under wraps. Guardiola also declined to offer assurances on what comes next for the 23-year-old, framing his role as part of a “big moment for the team. ”
Guardiola confirms selection and addresses james trafford situation
Guardiola said he will continue using Trafford in domestic cup matches, even though the goalkeeper’s playing time has been limited this season. Trafford returned to City from Burnley last summer in a £27m move and had been viewed as the replacement for Ederson, but was later edged out of a starting spot after the club signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain.
Asked about Trafford’s recent comments about expecting to play more, Guardiola responded: “Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is. They have to be here to do the best they can do and after we will see what happens at the end of the season. The important thing is they have to be ready. ” Guardiola added he was “beyond happy” with Trafford’s attitude, and stressed the final represents a key occasion for the squad.
Arsenal keep goalkeeper decision private as Wembley nears
Arteta refused to say who will start in goal for Arsenal. In domestic cup matches, Kepa Arrizabalaga has played, while David Raya has featured in the Premier League and Champions League.
Arteta said he was “prepared and confident” as Arsenal try to claim the first of multiple trophies they are pursuing this season. “When it comes to the crucial moments and when it comes to the moment to attack a trophy, take it and bring it home, that’s when you need to step up and make a difference, ” Arteta said. “That’s why we are all very excited because we know what is at stake, and now it’s about the next step, the next game, and the fact that we are at the end of March and we are in four competitions tells a lot about the team. ”
He added: “It’s one of the defining moments because at the end it’s whether you win the trophy or not. We need to prove that point. That’s clear. And that has to be done on the pitch. ”
Rivalry talk cooled as Guardiola points to bigger issues
In pre-final remarks made on Friday (ET), Guardiola sidestepped attempts to frame Sunday as another chapter in the growing City-Arsenal rivalry, saying: “Look what’s happened around the world. We have an incredible chaos and nobody moves one finger. Everything is behind the scenes. The world is going to collapse and still we are here talking about dark arts. ”
His reference to “dark arts” echoed a flashpoint after a Premier League match in September 2024, when Arsenal tactics drew criticism from City players following a 2-2 draw. Guardiola later said, “There are officials to deal with these kind of things, ” and praised Arsenal’s evolution and “solidarity, ” calling them an “exceptional team” and describing the final as “a big challenge for us to see how our level is. ”
Quick context: title race pressure and a final with wider consequences
City enter the final sitting second in the Premier League, nine points behind Arsenal, with one game in hand. The sides are also due to meet at the Etihad Stadium next month.
What’s next at Wembley and beyond
All eyes now turn to Sunday’s kickoff at Wembley, with Guardiola locking in his choice in goal and Arteta holding his cards. For City, the immediate question is whether james trafford can deliver in a “big moment for the team, ” while Guardiola’s comments leave his longer-term position unresolved heading toward the end of the season.
