D-Day, Chapter 1: Arsenal & City clash for EFL Cup trophy

Until five days ago, Arsenal and Manchester City were still in contention for the popular quadruple (four trophies in a season), but the Cityzens' Champions League dreams were shattered by Real Madrid, who crushed them 5-1 on aggregate.

The Gunners still eye four prizes, and one of them could come today, as the EFL Cup is upon us!

At first glance, it's the least significant trophy an English side can win, but this edition is much different. Given the two finalists' epic Premier League race, today's final at Wembley (19.30) could mean much more to them mentally than anyone can imagine.

The eventual triumph can put a team on a roll and give it immense confidence ahead of the finish of the season and the remaining - and more critical, to be honest - battles.

On the other hand, a defeat can be detrimental.

Monaco, City and Bayern are after Arsenal's mastermind

Mikel Arteta's men are in a much better position. They top the EPL table and have advanced to the UCL quarter-finals. Nevertheless, with great power comes great pressure, and the North London side isn't actually the epitome of a team that handles pressure well.

The Cityzens are, though their burden is different. After a surprisingly devastating Champions League exit, another loss would further shake the team's confidence and cast doubt on Pep Guardiola's ability to lead the Manchester side to new successes.

This season, the Gunners and the Cityzens met only once in a league game at Emirates Stadium, when the home team salvaged a 1-1 draw thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's dying-minutes leveller..

Austrian of African descent who has taken Europe by storm - and now Guardiola too

Last time they faced off in an EFL Cup final was in 2018, when Guardiola's crew smashed Arsene Wenger's men 3-0 behind Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, and David Silva's goals.

A lot has changed since, but Pep is still there, and the Spaniard knows how to win finals, as he emerged victorious in each of his four EFL Cup trophy matches. The experience of his compatriot at the London side's bench is way more limited, though Arteta has never lost at Wembley, either as a player or a manager.

The crucial showdown between Arsenal and City will, of course, come on April 19, when the EPL title race could be finished or further heated up at Etihad. The EFL Cup final will show who can handle the pressure better and set the stage for the wild season finale.

The end of this epic campaign is near, and tonight's clash kicks off the start of its final chapter. It's time to see some proper fireworks!

EFL CUP - FINAL

Sunday

18.30: (2.35) Arsenal (3.20) Manchester City (3.40)

***odds are subject to change***