Pep Guardiola will face old foe Mikel Arteta in the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Arsenal on Sunday afternoon
<p aria-label="Pep Guardiola will be in the dugout on Sunday" class="ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU" data-testid="caption-title">Pep Guardiola will be in the dugout on Sunday<cite aria-label="Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images" class="ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W" data-testid="caption-credit">(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)</cite></p>
The reason why Pep Guardiola will be on the touchline vs Arsenal despite ban
Why was Pep Guardiola banned?: Guardiola triggered an automatic two-match suspension after receiving his sixth booking of the 2025/26 domestic season. This occurred after he confronted fourth official Lewis Smith over a perceived foul on Jérémy Doku.
Reason why he can be in the dugout against Arsenal: Unlike player suspensions, which are typically cross-competition in domestic football, managerial touchline bans under current FA regulations are competition-specific for cup finals. The Carabao Cup final is treated as a ‘stand-alone’ showpiece event regarding disciplinary sanctions for coaching staff.
Where will the ban be served?: The two-match ban applies specifically to the Premier League and the FA Cup. Guardiola already served the first part of his suspension during the 1-1 draw against West Ham on March 14. The second game of the ban will be served during Manchester City’s upcoming FA Cup quarter-final in April rather than the cup final.
Carabao Cup final date and time: The first cup final of the 2025/26 season will take place at 4.30pm on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The match between City and Arsenal will take place at Wembley Stadium.
UK TV channel: The match is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage starts at 3.30pm.
Live stream: You can watch the game on the Sky Go app, available for Sky Sports subscribers on mobile, tablet, and laptop. Viewers can also tune in on NOW TV via a Day or Month Membership on the NOW app or website.
How to watch in the US: The match will be streamed exclusively on ESPN+. Coverage typically begins 30 minutes before kick-off.
Team news: Arsenal are monitoring the fitness of Bukayo Saka, while Manchester City remain without long-term injured Josko Gvardiol but will have Erling Haaland in the starting lineup.
Head-to-head record: This is the 215th meeting between the sides. Arsenal lead the all-time record with 100 wins, compared to Manchester City’s 65, with 49 draws. In their most recent encounter in September 2025, the teams played out a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS HERE: Clubs ‘contact Premier League bosses’ after Chelsea avoid points deduction
