Carabao Cup final: Guardiola to start James Trafford as an exit remains possible
The carabao cup final will see James Trafford start for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola confirmed, while also acknowledging the goalkeeper could leave the club at the end of the season. Guardiola said he had “nothing to say” about Trafford’s earlier comments about his place behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, and stressed that players must be ready whether they are happy or unhappy.
Carabao Cup: What Happens When Guardiola Picks Trafford?
Guardiola confirmed Trafford will be in goal in the Wembley final, noting the 23-year-old had previously expressed surprise at returning to a backup role after his loan stint at Burnley. The manager said players can be “happy, unhappy” and that their responsibility is to be prepared for selection and performance. He also left open the possibility that Trafford could move on at season’s end, saying the club will assess what happens after the campaign finishes.
What If the carabao cup Final Shifts Momentum in the Title Race?
The final sets a fresh chapter in the Manchester City–Arsenal rivalry: after meeting at Wembley, the sides are scheduled to play in the Premier League at the Etihad in April. Guardiola said winning helps for confidence but cautioned it may not materially alter a long campaign, observing teams can win a cup final and still struggle in the league. City sit nine points behind Arsenal in the Premier League, albeit with a game in hand, and Guardiola was uncertain whether a single result would change the title trajectory. He emphasised the need to “forget and move forwards” quickly when fixtures come thick and fast.
Who Wins, Who Loses — and What Comes Next?
Relations between Guardiola and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remain cordial despite friction after a high-profile draw last season. That September match produced controversy: Arteta said he had “all the information” about City from his time there, and City players raised concerns about Arsenal’s tactics. Guardiola dismissed attempts to manufacture conflict, noting both managers are busy and that their working relationship differs from when they spent hours together at the club. He defended the right of officials to handle on-field matters and praised Arteta for shaping Arsenal’s current style, which Guardiola said has them chasing an unprecedented quadruple.
For Trafford personally, the final is a dual moment: a chance to cement his standing as City’s cup goalkeeper and a showcase that could influence his future. Guardiola’s comment that the player could leave after the season keeps options open, while reaffirming selection is based on readiness and performance. The immediate stakes are clear on the pitch, but the outcome at Wembley will also feed directly into the narrative around squad roles, transfer decisions, and the title race as the season moves toward its decisive phases of the carabao cup
