Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has strongly hinted that backup goalkeeper James Trafford will be handed the starting role for the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley. This decision comes despite the presence of first-choice keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the squad, with Guardiola offering high praise for the English shot-stopper's recent performances.
Guardiola's Praise for Trafford's Capabilities
In comments that appear to confirm Trafford's selection, Guardiola lauded the 23-year-old's talent and future potential. The Spaniard emphasised the unique demands of the goalkeeper position, noting that while outfield players can be versatile, a keeper must specialise exclusively in that role.
"I said from the beginning James is a top player, a top-class 'keeper, so he's got an incredible future ahead of him," Guardiola explained. "The position of 'keeper is special because of course he has to play. Some players like Nico O'Reilly can play left-back, attacking midfielder, in the pockets, holding midfielder but the 'keeper has to play 'keeper and there is just one of course."
Trafford's Impressive Semi-Final Display
Trafford's opportunity arises from his commendable performance in Manchester City's 3-1 victory over Newcastle United in the League Cup semi-final second leg. Acting as deputy for Donnarumma, Trafford made several crucial saves, including notable stops against Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon, which helped secure his team's place in the final.
Guardiola specifically referenced this upcoming match as Trafford's "first final of the Carabao Cup," further solidifying the expectation of his involvement. "He's an extraordinary 'keeper and I'm really pleased. With the final, he's going to play the first final of Carabao Cup for him and in FA Cup of course everything can happen," the manager added.
City's Fifth League Cup Final Under Guardiola
The match, scheduled for 22 March at Wembley Stadium, will see Manchester City contest their fifth League Cup final since Guardiola took charge. They face Arsenal in a repeat of the 2017/18 final, which City won convincingly with a 3-0 scoreline.
Guehi Eligibility Issue Raises Questions
While Trafford looks set to feature, Guardiola confirmed that new signing Marc Guehi will be unavailable for selection due to competition regulations. Guehi joined City from Crystal Palace in a £20 million deal last month, but a little-known rule stipulates that players must be registered before the first leg of the semi-final to participate in any remaining matches.
This contrasts with fellow January acquisition Antoine Semenyo, who was eligible and featured in both semi-final matches. Guardiola expressed bewilderment at this regulation, questioning the logic behind investing significantly in a player only for them to be ruled out of a major final.
"Hopefully in March we can arrive with players fit, hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup that Marc [Guehi] can play in the final, because it's difficult to understand the club making a big investment to take one player, he belongs to us, but I don't understand why he can't play in the final," Guardiola stated. "So, hopefully we make a letter, and hopefully they can change it."
As preparations intensify for the Wembley showdown, Guardiola's endorsement of Trafford provides a clear indication of his tactical thinking, while the Guehi situation adds an administrative subplot to City's cup final build-up.
