Pep Guardiola confirmed James Trafford will start in goal for Manchester City in the EFL Cup final against Arsenal as he is "beyond" happy with how the goalkeeper has been playing.

Trafford moved back to City in July from Burnley but quickly slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma a month later.

As such, he has made just 12 appearances in all competitions, with only three of those in the Premier League; however, he has started every match in their domestic cup campaigns this season across the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

Trafford, who has kept three clean sheets in the EFL Cup in 2025-26, admitted in February that he "didn't expect" to find himself behind Donnarumma when he made the move back to the Etihad.

And while Guardiola admitted it was hard to keep all of his players happy, he put his confidence in the 23-year-old for Sunday's showpiece.

"Big moment for the team," Guardiola said. "Players have to be ready.

"Nothing to say [on Trafford's comments]. Players can be happy or unhappy; it is what it is.

"We have to do our best when they do, and afterwards we have to see what happens at the end of the season.

"Beyond [happy with Trafford's attitude]."

Pep (On if James Trafford will play in the final) Yes. pic.twitter.com/EsNvXJtUfh

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 20, 2026

Guardiola also confirmed Erling Haaland is “ready” for the final.

Haaland has scored in each of his last three games against Arsenal in all competitions. However, he has never scored in six appearances at Wembley so far in his City career.

"I'm pretty sure that he is focused, like all of us," Guardiola added.

"I haven't spoken to him; he's had two days off, but I'm pretty sure he's ready."

Arsenal and City are also fighting it out at the top of the Premier League table, with Guardiola's side trailing the Gunners by nine points going into the international break.

This is the first EFL Cup final in history to be played between the top two in England's top-flight.

City have won eight of their nine finals in the competition, with only Liverpool winning the competition more often (10). The Citizens have triumphed in each of their last seven finals, since a loss to Wolves in 1974.

And Guardiola is relishing the chance to face off against Mikel Arteta's side.

"They control many things, many aspects of the game," the Spaniard said of Arsenal. "For many years, they have not won, but you see that boost, that solidarity.

"They can control when they defend deep, high, build-ups and long balls, second balls, and there are so many good things. Their team is talented. Brilliant team. Big challenge for us."

And asked if winning the EFL Cup final will impact the title race, Guardiola added: "I don't know.

"I said before, so, of course, winning helps, but we can win the competition on Sunday, and then in the league we are bad, but then the opposite can happen."