Joe Cole has backed Arsenal to beat Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, March 22. He also predicted that there would be some "nastiness" in the dugouts during the game.
The Gunners are looking to win their first major trophy since the FA Cup win in the 2019-20 season. They have reached their first major final since then and will look to beat Manchester City on Sunday. The two sides are also competing for the Premier League title this season.
Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, former Liverpool attacker Joe Cole shared his prediction on The Dressing Room podcast, saying:
"I’m not working on the Carabao Cup final but I’m going as a fan which I actually haven’t done for a long time. I fancy Arsenal, I think Arsenal beat them. Having watched Man City live, I fancy Arsenal – but it’s a great game for the neutral."
"I’ll make another prediction, I think there will be a bit of needle and a little bit of nastiness on the benches. There’s a lot of tension building at this point in the season so look out for that," he added.
The north London side beat Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Meanwhile, Manchester City hammered Newcastle 5-1 over two legs in their semi-final clash.
Carlton Cole and Wayne Bridge predict result of Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City
While Joe Cole backed the Gunners to win the Carabao Cup, his co-hosts, Carlton Cole and Wayne Bridge, went the other way. They believe Manchester City would win the trophy and look to put pressure on the north London side in the Premier League as well.
Former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole said:
"I think Man City win it. They know it’s time, if they lose this I think they lose all hope of winning the league. So they’re going to have to put this one to bed. I’m going with Man City."
Meanwhile, Bridge added:
"I’m going to go with Man City. We know it’s kind of almost over with the league but them getting a win here puts a bit more pressure on Arsenal. I’m living in hope."
The Gunners sit atop the Premier League table, nine points above Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The two teams will also face off at the Etihad on April 19 in the league.