Pep Guardiola Confirms James Trafford to Start Carabao Cup Final Amid Uncertain Future

• James Trafford will start for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley
• Pep Guardiola says players’ futures will be decided at the end of the season
• City boss unsure whether cup success will impact Premier League title race

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that James Trafford will start for Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, while leaving uncertainty over the goalkeeper’s long-term future at the club.

Trafford, 23, had expressed frustration earlier this year after finding himself behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order following his return from Burnley.

Guardiola declined to comment directly on Trafford’s remarks but confirmed his selection for the final at Wembley Stadium.

“Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is,” Guardiola said. “They have to be here to do the best they can do and after we will see what happens at the end of the season. The important thing is they have to be ready.”

City face Arsenal in the final, with the two sides also scheduled to meet in the Premier League in April in a fixture that could influence the title race.

However, Guardiola admitted he is unsure whether success at Wembley would provide momentum in the league campaign.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I said before, of course winning helps just for the fact that winning helps.

“We can win on Sunday and then be bad in the league. I learned that in many competitions and many games with a short time of recovery you have to have the ability to forget and move forwards.”

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Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.