Pep Guardiola has termed Sunday’s League Cup final against Arsenal as a test of his side’s level as Manchester City seek to steady their season.
City exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid for a third successive year in midweek and now trail leaders Arsenal by nine points in the Premier League.
Arsenal aim for a first trophy in six years at Wembley, with Mikel Arteta’s side still in contention for the League Cup, FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League.
City, however, endured a trophyless campaign last season, their first in eight years.
“We have got to Wembley 22 times in 10 years, it is an honour and a big challenge,” Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday. “For the team it is a big moment.
“They are an exceptional team. It is a big challenge for us to see our level.”
City hold a game in hand over Arsenal in the league and will host them again next month.
Guardiola remained uncertain whether success on Sunday would influence the title race.
He made it clear that James Trafford will start in goal in place of Gianluigi Donnarumma, as in City’s previous domestic cup fixtures this season.
