Why aren’t Arsenal and Manchester City playing in the Premier League this weekend?
The Premier League title race takes a back seat, but The Gunners and City will be vying for another trophy instead.
The business end of the European season is upon us, with league championships across the continent set to be decided in the next few weeks. However, the Premier League title race takes a back seat this weekend, as neither Arsenal nor Manchester City will be in league action.
Arsenal and City target Carabao Cup glory
Instead, the two sides meet in a high-stakes clash in the Carabao Cup final, also known as the EFL Cup, at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (March 22).
After The Gunners and City booked their places in the final, many suggested the result could influence the Premier League title race, with the winner gaining a psychological edge.
Pep Guardiola responding to @JamieJackson___ probing him about a ‘fallout’ with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal using ‘dark arts’:
— City Report (@cityreport_) March 20, 2026
“If you want to ask a question to try to create some conflict between me and Mikel or Arsenal, I am old enough not to do that.
You are how many times… pic.twitter.com/I1wrcKgFTQ
Arsenal’s cushion at the top
Mikel Arteta’s side have since opened a nine-point gap at the top of the table. City do have a game in hand, but they are struggling with just one win in five games, including surprise draws against Nottingham Forest and West Ham. That has allowed Arsenal to pull further ahead.
Adding to their troubles, Pep Guardiola’s team suffered a heavy Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid, who won both legs in the round of 16.
City hunting history, Arsenal chasing redemption
The Carabao Cup has been kind to Guardiola and City, who won the competition four seasons in a row between 2018 and 2021, in addition to victories in 2014 and 2016. A win this Sunday would mark their ninth overall triumph, putting them just one behind Liverpool, who hold the record for the most victories.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have dominated the FA Cup, winning it 14 times, but have been less successful in the Carabao Cup. The Gunners have only lifted the trophy twice, with their last victory in 1993. They have reached three finals since then but lost each time.
Other Premier League action this weekend
Although Arsenal and Manchester City sit out league play, fans still have a full Premier League fixture list to enjoy. Highlights include Manchester United visiting Bournemouth, Liverpool traveling to Brighton, Chelsea playing at Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur facing Nottingham Forest in a crucial relegation clash.
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