For the first time in the entire history of the Carabao Cup, the top two teams in the Premier League are meeting in the final. Not once in 66 years has such an event happened. Arsenal and Manchester City have essentially said, “Fine, let’s settle this fair and square!”

Arsenal arrive at Wembley Stadium carrying a nine-point Premier League lead, a Champions League quarterfinal spot, and the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from actually being the best team in England right now.

The only problem is that they haven’t won this trophy since 1993. Since then, they have suffered six final defeats. Mikel Arteta knows that number.

Manchester City are the wounded animals in this story. Their Champions League dream collapsed in midweek against Real Madrid, their title defense is cooked, and the Carabao Cup is now the last trophy on the shelf with their name on it.

Guardiola’s men have won eight of their nine League Cup finals. They will be looking to do the same today.

The match hinges on midfield. If Arsenal disrupt City early and feed Bukayo Saka, Victor Gyökeres, and Eberechi Eze on the counter, this gets very interesting.

If City settles into its passing rhythm and finds Erling Haaland, William Saliba, and Gabriel, they will need the game of their lives.

Haaland has five goals and two assists in seven meetings against Arsenal. Gabriel said this week he is ready for the battle and that it is fun.

Arteta has never lost at Wembley in eight appearances as a player or manager. Guardiola has essentially turned this competition into a personal collection. One record ends today.

Arsenal want validation. City want survival. Both want the trophy. Arsenal are ready. City are ready, Wembley is ready. And so are we.

Kickoff is this evening at 7.30 pm live on Radio 47.