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As we begin winding down towards the end of the ongoing campaign, the first final of the season is already upon us. In a matter of hours Manchester City will take on Arsenal at the Wembley Stadium in London and we cannot wait!
In anticipation of the clash, we decided to take a look at the key battles, statistics and tactics that will be at play, as two of the most free flowing football teams in England decide who will be the first to capture some silverware.
Two unique managers, similar school of thought.
Both the managers often pride themselves on the way they perceive football and want their teams to play. The two insist on a possession-based attacking style of play which often translates into scintillating football on the pitch. Some of the teams the two illustrious managers have mentored have been quite ridiculously good.
Let's take a look at who has the edge.
Arsene Wenger has faced off against Pep guardiola on 12 occasions with the Spaniard coming out on top on 6 occasions, the Frenchman winning 3 and 3 ending with honours even.
On first viewing those numbers seem bleak for Wenger but then, the records of most managers do seem that way when they come up against the former Bayern Munich head coach. As a matter of fact, Wenger has fared better, than Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino have, against Guardiola.
One thing is for certain, the game is going to be open with both sides trying to out-score the other which bodes well for the rest of us. Forty-two goals have been scored when teams managed by these two have faced off. Exciting.
Wenger will be hoping that his side manages to hand a set-back to the run-away league leaders in the second competition in a week, after City were eliminated from the FA Cup at the hands of Wigan Athletic - ending their hopes of a quadruple.
Key Battles to watch out for.
Ozil vs de Bruyne
Mesut Ozil and Kevin de Bruyne are widely regarded as among the best playmakers in Europe and there's plenty of reasons for the compliment, although we only really need one.
Both the creative wizards have a better assist per game average than the rest. No other reason is really needed to prove the worth of the players who are integral to their respective sides.
It will be a battle for supremacy between two quality footballers who influence football matches more often than alcohol influences decision making.
Aguero vs Aubameyang
The most prolific goal-scorer in Manchester City history will be hoping that he is able to put the disappointment of the FA Cup exit (which he could've prevented by finishing a host of chances on the night) behind him and do what he does best. Score.
Arsenal will be banking on the Gabon international, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, to add to his goal tally in the red for Arsenal and the final in Wembley will be the perfect opportunity to get the fans to absolutely adore him. The Gunners will be praying that the former Dortmund man can find his feet quickly at the Wembley stadium and provide the fire-power upfront that he is so capable of.
Something similar to this might just do the trick.
Wembley plays host to the final.
Arsenal have enjoyed the majority of their trips to the New Wembley Stadium (except the most recent one in the league against Tottenham). They've made a bit of a habit of winning cup competition ties held at England's premier stadium.
The Gunners managed to break the jinx of being trophy-less for over a decade, at the stadium in the English capital back in 2014, when they beat Hull City (coming back from two goals down).
Arsenal have since remained unbeaten at the stadium in knock-out competitions winning their last 9, including two more FA Cup finals in 2015 and also last season. However, the EFL Cup has been a source of pain for the North London side (losing to Birmingham City in the final in 2011) as it remains the only trophy in England that Arsene Wenger hasn't managed to win.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will be looking to add another EFL cup to their trophy cabinet after winning it in 2014 and 2016. It will be Pep Guardiola's first trophy with the Manchester club after failing to win any silverware last season; the first time it happened in the illustrious career of the City boss.
The last time the two sides met, Arsenal managed to dig deep and fight back after going a goal down in the second half, and claim victory in the FA Cup semi-final. Though they will be without the services of Alexis Sanchez this time around, who moved on from the eventual FA Cup winners to bitter City rivals Manchester United.
We cannot wait to see what unfolds in this tantalising tale of two proper footballing teams!
Kick off is at 10:00pm (IST). Be sure to catch the game, and join us after for the analysis.
