Arsenal will face Manchester City in the EFL Cup Final on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The showpiece match features the Premier League’s top two sides battling for the season’s first major English domestic trophy. Arsenal are coming into the contest in exceptional form and with a long unbeaten streak across competitions.
While Manchester City will aim to salvage silverware after a disappointing European exit earlier in the week. The Gunners have not lifted the League Cup since 1993. It makes this a historic opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s squad. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s City have an extraordinary record in this competition, winning eight of their nine previous finals.
You can find more of our soccer predictions on our main picks hub. Here’s how we’re betting Arsenal vs Manchester City tonight, including our Best Bet, a Same-Game Parlay, and key trends to know.
Arsenal vs Manchester City Match Details
Competition: EFL Cup Final
Date & kickoff: Sunday, March 22, 2026 – 12:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM GT
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Expected XIs: Arsenal 4-2-3-1 vs Manchester City 4-3-3
Best Bet for Arsenal vs Manchester City
Our best bet for Arsenal vs Manchester City is Both Teams to Score: Yes at -140 (BetMGM) / -130 (FanDuel).
Arsenal have been one of the most productive offensive teams in England. They’re averaging over 2.2 goals per match across their last ten games in all competitions. Their forward line led by Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka consistently generates high-quality chances.
Arsenal have averaged approximately 1.9 xG per match across their last ten games. Manchester City remain dangerous offensively despite recent inconsistent results. Pep Guardiola’s team is still averaging around 2.0 xG per match across their recent run of games.
They’re also continuing to dominate possession structures. Striker Erling Haaland remains the focal point of their attack. He is also among the league’s most efficient finishers. Recent head-to-head meetings also support this market. Four of the last six encounters between these clubs have seen both sides score.
Arsenal vs Manchester City Prediction
Our pick: Arsenal to Win at +125 (BetMGM) / +120 (FanDuel)
Mikel Arteta’s side are coming into the final unbeaten in 14 matches across all competitions. That includes six wins in their last seven fixtures. The Gunners have also developed a tactical blueprint that has troubled City in recent meetings. Notably, Manchester City are winless in their last six matches against Arsenal.
This run includes league and cup competitions. Another factor influencing the market is City’s recent schedule. Their midweek defeat against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League eliminated them from Europe. It also extended a difficult spell in which they have won just one of their last five matches across competitions.
Arsenal, in contrast, appear tactically stable and confident. It was shown in their 2-0 Champions League win against Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the week. With their defensive structure conceding under 1.0 xGA per match in recent fixtures, Arsenal’s momentum makes them credible favorites to lift the trophy.
New customers only. Must be 21+ in most jurisdictions, but 18+ in DC, KY, and WY. Offer is valid only in eligible regulated states/jurisdictions and not available in AR; void where prohibited. First online real-money wager only; cashed-out or bonus-funded bets are excluded.
Same-Game Parlay (Bet Builder) for Arsenal vs Manchester City
Total Goals Over 1.5 (-355) + BTTS: Yes (-130) + Arsenal to Win (-154) (via FanDuel)
Both teams feature attacking units capable of producing multiple goals, making the Over 1.5 goals line a relatively safe inclusion. Arsenal’s wide attacking threats, particularly Martinelli and Saka, regularly stretch defensive structures. While City’s buildup system continues to create scoring chances through central combinations.
They also get a big helping from Haaland’s penalty-area presence. Including BTTS aligns with both clubs’ attacking profiles and recent head-to-head trends. Adding Arsenal to win reflects their superior recent form and psychological edge after several positive results against Guardiola’s side.
Arsenal matches frequently feature multiple goals due to their high pressing and quick counterattacks. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s tactical approach ensures they maintain consistent possession and shot volume even in difficult games.
Combining both teams to score with a moderate goals threshold reflects the attacking quality on both sides. Arsenal’s recent consistency and strong record against Man City add further support to including them as the match winner.
Over 2.5: -110 / Under 2.5: -125 Over 3.5: +220 / Under 3.5: -325
Over 2.5: -104 / Under 2.5: -125 Over 3.5: +255 / Under 3.5: -360
BTTS
Yes: -140 / No: -102
Yes: -130 / No: +102
Draw No Bet
Arsenal: -185 Manchester City: +125
Arsenal: -165 Manchester City: +130
Double Chance
Arsenal or Draw: -300 Manchester City or Draw: -160
Arsenal or Draw: -290 Manchester City or Draw: -165
Trends to Know for Arsenal vs Manchester City
Head-to-Head Momentum: Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Manchester City across competitions.
Arsenal Form: The Gunners are currently unbeaten in 14 matches in all competitions and have won six of their last seven games.
City Inconsistency: Manchester City have managed only one win in their last five matches, including a Champions League exit against Real Madrid.
Attacking Metrics: Arsenal average roughly 1.9 xG per game, while Manchester City generate around 2.0 xG.
Cup Pedigree: Manchester City have historically dominated the EFL Cup, winning eight of nine previous finals, including several during Guardiola’s tenure.
Wembley Experience: Mikel Arteta is unbeaten in eight Wembley appearances for Arsenal as both player and manager, a psychological boost entering the final.
How to watch – quick Q&A
What time is Arsenal vs Manchester City?
Arsenal vs Manchester City kicks off at 12:30 PM ET on Sunday, March 22, 2026 (4:30 PM local UK time).
Where is the match being played?
The match will be played at the Wembley Stadium in London, England.
How can I watch on TV / stream?
Broadcast rights vary by territory. In the US, the EFL Cup Final can be telecast on Paramount+. The match will be telecast on Sky Sports in the UK. The match will also be available to stream on these broadcasters’ official websites.
Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
soccer 
