Pep Guardiola’s availability for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal has become a hot topic of discussion after the Manchester City boss’ punishment.
The Spaniard picked up his sixth yellow card of the season during the Sky Blues’ game against Newcastle United on Saturday, and he is now banned for two games.
Arsenal fans are wondering if that will keep him out of the Carabao Cup final, but the answer is no. Here’s why.
Early predictions, who will come out on top when Arsenal face Man City at Wembley?
Why Pep Guardiola will not miss Carabao Cup final vs Arsenal despite two-game ban
The Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City will be an interesting game to watch.
The two sides have undoubtedly been the best teams in the country this season, and they are still fighting for the Premier League title.
Arsenal and Manchester City face each other in the league in April as well, but before that, they will meet in the Carabao Cup final, where the winner could gain a psychological advantage in the title race.
After news emerged that Pep Guardiola would be suspended for two games, Arsenal fans wondered whether he would be banned from the touchline at Wembley against the Gunners, as that fixture is Manchester City’s second domestic game from now.
However, the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski has revealed that the suspension rules do not apply to the Carabao Cup, so he will be on the touchline managing his side.
The journalist tweeted: “Pep Guardiola has a two-match ban after a sixth yellow card of the season – BUT it does not apply to the Carabao Cup final.
“So he will miss the PL game at West Ham and the FA Cup quarter-final against whoever Manchester City play.”
READ MORE: EFL now confirm if Marc Guehi will be allowed to play against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final
Call it now, will Mikel Arteta’s record be intact after the Carabao Cup final?
Mikel Arteta has an edge over Pep Guardiola ahead of the Carabao Cup final
Guardiola’s presence on the touchline should not matter to Arsenal.
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last six games against Manchester City and are more than good enough to get one over them.
Furthermore, Arteta beat Guardiola in each of the last two occasions when they met at Wembley – in the FA Cup in 2020 and the Community Shield in 2023.
The Arsenal boss also holds the record for never losing a game at the home of English football – neither as a player nor a manager.
Arteta should back himself to beat Guardiola again. If he does, it could have a direct impact on the Premier League title race as well.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
