Arsenal take on Manchester City at Wembley in the 2026 Carabao Cup Final, their first final since the 2020 FA Cup win over Chelsea.
Both sides have deep squads full of immense talent and quality, but for Arsenal, which players will be the key to a first trophy in six years?
Since beginning their partnership together in 2022, Gabriel and Saliba have been instrumental for Arsenal, acting as one of the key catalysts in transforming Champions League qualification contenders into title contenders.
Both signed new long-term deals this season and now have the chance to push for trophies.
They will both have a big job on their hands trying to stop Erling Haaland, but they have managed to nullify him when the sides have met before, most notably in both games in the 23/24 season. However, Haaland has scored in his last three meetings against the Gunners.
Arsenal have the lowest conceded xG in the entire Premier League (22.1), way ahead of their title rivals City (33.1). The centre-back pairing has been a key reason as to why.
Set pieces will also play their part in the cup final, and Gabriel will particularly be a massive threat from them.
Declan Rice
The spine of Arsenal’s midfield, Declan Rice, is going to need to be at his very best if Arsenal are to come out of the game with the cup in their hands.
This season has been his best in an Arsenal shirt in terms of performances, averaging a rating of 7.64, the highest of anyone in the squad.
Rice will be key in trying to nullify the Manchester City midfield threats of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Rayan Cherki.
When the sides last met at the Emirates in September, Rice made nine defensive contributions, including two tackles and six recoveries. The England midfielder also created a big chance.
Rice is one of the few players in the Arsenal squad who have won a trophy in recent years, captaining West Ham to the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023.
He was part of the Arsenal team that did win the Community Shield in August 2023, but this is his and the Gunners’ first real chance to try and get a major trophy under their belts in what they hope will be a magical end to the season.
Bukayo Saka
It has definitely not been his best season in terms of output, but Bukayo Saka is someone who will definitely be up for the occasion of the cup final.
He was in the squad when Arsenal beat Chelsea on that July day in 2020, but this will be the first cup final for a club in which he plays a meaningful role.
Since the FA Cup Final in 2020, Saka has played in two European Championship Finals for England, losing both of them (2021 on penalties to Italy, and 2024 2-1 against Spain).
With Martin Odegaard unlikely to be fit to start the final, Saka will also captain his club out at Wembley, and become the seventh Arsenal player to do so in a final since the national stadium was reopened in 2007.
Saka has been quite unlucky when it comes to goal contributions; he has an expected assists tally of 5.8, yet has only recorded 3 assists. He also ranks second behind Rice (58) for chances created (52).