The Carabao Cup final will see Arsenal and Man City go head-to-head tomorrow

Manchester City supporters still have the opportunity to grab last-minute tickets for the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. On Sunday (March 22), the Blues will take on their Premier League opponents in their opening chance at silverware this campaign, with seats still available for purchase today.

Whilst Pep Guardiola’s squad may be sitting behind Arsenal in the league standings, they have the potential to dash the Gunners’ dreams of a historic quadruple with victory at Wembley. The sides battled to a 1-1 stalemate when they previously clashed in September, though much has changed since, with City bolstering their roster through fresh acquisitions including Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi.

Man City celebrated a remarkable streak of four consecutive League Cup triumphs between 2018 and 2021, and could claim the silverware for a ninth occasion should they overcome Arsenal on Sunday. Whilst the club’s designated ticket allocation has been exhausted, numerous seats remain obtainable through alternative official sources such as Seat Unique, where supporters can reserve various premium Carabao Cup Final VIP and hospitality options.

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These packages aren’t inexpensive, with costs beginning at £1,399 per person for a Taphouse Social – Manchester City ticket, though this promises ‘the ultimate luxury matchday experience’. Within the cost is premium seating on Level Two, Wembley’s central tier featuring cushioned seats delivering exceptional sightlines of the playing surface. Supporters will gain entry to the venue 2.5 hours prior to kick-off, allowing them to experience the Taphouse Social, Wembley’s latest premium space featuring exclusive food and beverage options.

This encompasses a bar serving 48 taps dispensing beers, wine, cocktails, spirits and soft drinks, alongside pies and pastries from Taphouse Bites. Supporters can enter Taphouse Social from two locations around the stadium – West and East – though only passes for the designated Man City section are currently on offer.

It’s worth noting the venue will shut one hour after the final whistle. Seat Unique’s alternative VIP option is the premium Bobby Moore Lounge priced at £3,499 per person.

This features exceptional premium seating positioned on the halfway line, delivering ‘the very best views of the match’ near the dugout and trophy route. The exclusive Bobby Moore lounge is described as among Wembley’s ‘finest hospitality lounges’.

A pass provides seating at a communal table for up to three hours before kick-off and an hour following the match. Within this space, visitors can sample canapés upon arrival and unlimited Laurent Perrier Champagne both before and after the fixture.

Perhaps more significantly, a pass encompasses a complimentary bar of beers, fine wines, spirits and soft drinks. Alongside a four-course meal and cheeseboard served following the game. Comparable packages may be obtainable directly from Wembley Stadium.

With fans able to enquire via this online form. For viewers tuning in from home, the Carabao Cup final will be broadcast live on both ITV and Sky Sports. The match kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday, March 22.

Indian wrestler Radhika (68kg) has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in favour of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The decision overturns her earlier clearance and mandates a fresh investigation into her doping case.

Positive test and Initial clearance

Radhika had tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol in November 2022. In her defence, she argued that the substance had entered her system through contaminated meat. Accepting this explanation, NADA’s adjudicating panel cleared her in May 2024 after subsequent tests returned negative results.

WADA challenges the verdict

CAS orders reinvestigation

After reviewing WADA’s appeal, CAS set aside the earlier decision and directed NADA to carry out a comprehensive reinvestigation. As a result, Radhika has now been provisionally suspended until the case is reassessed and a final verdict is reached. The outcome of this fresh probe will determine her eligibility to compete in the future.

Broader mplications for Indian sport

The case underlines the complexities surrounding doping violations linked to food contamination—a defence that has surfaced in multiple international cases. It also brings attention to the need for more rigorous anti-doping procedures in India, ensuring investigations align with global standards and leave no room for ambiguity.

Separate Doping Case

In a separate development, Indian middle-distance runner Sneha Kolleri has been handed a three-year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. Authorities rejected her defence that the violation was caused by contaminated supplements, reinforcing a strict stance on doping violations.

Thank the Lord.

This was the immediate reply from co-trainer Mick Price upon being queried if he welcomed the news of Observer missing from Planet Red’s lineup in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Prepared by Mick Price alongside Michael Kent Jnr, Planet Red targets Caulfield, but Observer turns attention northward to Sydney for Group 1 riches in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

On two occasions this campaign, the Price and Kent Jnr charge has finished behind Observer, taking second in Caulfield’s Autumn Stakes (1400m) and Flemington’s Australian Guineas (1600m).

“With all due respect to that very good horse Observer, he was unlucky in the Caulfield Guineas, but we ran second and Planet Red’s two runs this time in have been dictated to by bad barriers,” Price said.

“First-up he was ridden cold and whooshed home very well and then in the Australian Guineas, it was the same thing.

“I couldn’t work out how to ride him and watching the race unfold, I think it was the right thing to do.

“It’s a different race on Saturday, different tempo, different barrier, and I think it will be change of tactics.

“In a 2000-metre race when they sit up there will be no need for him to be too far away.”

Planet Red’s preparation could end after the weekend, Price noted, since he hopes to see the gelding gain some physical condition.

He is not entirely sold on Planet Red as a long-distance specialist, but anticipates no trouble with Saturday’s 2000m.

“He’s a strong horse, with a good brain, but while he’s a good size, he just doesn’t have the muscle on him that I would like to see,” Price said.

“He’s done the work to run 2000 metres, He’s fit, very sound and it’s a nice race for him, but I don’t think I will persevere too long this preparation because he’s a growing horse on a good frame.

“I don’t know if he’s a true staying horse, but he’s a nice miler, 2000-metre horse and I think he will come back as a nice four-year-old if we look after him.

“Hopefully he can go out on a winning note.”

Compare racing betting markets ahead of Planet Red’s run in the Alister Clark Stakes.

Giorgio Visioli looks to carve out a major opportunity for himself, but must first defend his English lightweight title against Levi Giles this Saturday.

The unbeaten southpaw will feature on the undercard of George Liddard vs Tyler Denny, having headlined his own show against Joe Howarth in December.

Back then, the 22-year-old claimed his English title with an impressive unanimous decision victory, before flying out to the Top Rank Gym, Las Vegas, in preparation for his next outing.

Over there, he sparred a selection of talented prospects and crafty veterans, while even sharing a few rounds with former two-time world champion Regis Prograis.

Speaking with Boxing News, Visioli said he knew nothing of Prograis’ showdown with Conor Benn on April 11, but ultimately came away from their sparring session with plenty of confidence.

“I didn’t know he was fighting Conor Benn at the time. He was sparring southpaws, so I was thinking he must have a southpaw [opponent] lined up.

“I didn’t even really need to spar him, because he’s a southpaw [and Giles is orthodox], but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity.

“I don’t want to speak bad on his name but I was a bit too sharp for him – I had youth on my side.

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“He couldn’t really react to my counters but he was strong, knows all the tricky moves and it was great work.”

While training at the Vegas gym, Visioli was suddenly confronted by a familiar face.

It was, of course, Curmel Moton, a 19-year-old prospect whose young career is being guided by none other than Floyd Mayweather.

Visioli and Moton had previously exchanged barbs via social media, giving contrasting accounts of a prior sparring session, but now, the pair finally had the chance to settle their differences in the gym, albeit with their mouths rather than fists.

Recalling their war of words, Visioli proposed that a slot on the undercard of Mayweather’s rematch with Manny Pacquiao, which takes place on September 19, could offer the best solution, with Moton reportedly fighting on that card either way.

“They definitely found out I was training [at the Top Rank Gym], but he just said a few words and did some sparring.

“When he got out the ring, he was very pumped and just stuck it on me, giving it all this and that. I just kept my cool, giving it back to him, and I loved every moment of it.

“I’ve had the chats with my manager – Eddie Hearn [Visioli’s promoter] wants the fight; [Matchroom CEO] Frank Smith wants the fight – so it’s just on their side, really, if they want to do it on that Manny Pacquiao undercard.

“I think it would build our profiles massively. All the eyes would be on it, especially on a card like that, and I think it’s big enough to be on [the Mayweather-Pacquiao undercard].”

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Regarding Moton’s skills in the ring, it is fair to say that Visioli was not exactly blown away.

“I think it’s way too much hype, because he hasn’t really proven himself in the ring yet.

“He’s just stuck some footage up online of him beating up novices, and that’s how he’s built his name – through viral videos like that.

“That’s why I don’t care if I leak [their sparring] footage, because he’s been doing it for years.

“He’s a good fighter, but there’s levels.”

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While a clash with Moton makes plenty of sense, and may develop into a compelling rivalry, Visioli could equally see himself challenging for British honours later this year.

The Lonsdale Belt at 135lbs is currently held by Louie O’Doherty, another unbeaten operator, and regardless of whether the title remains in his possession or becomes vacant, Visioli believes this to be a natural next step.

“That’s the plan, definitely. I’ve had that chat with my team and we want the British title at the end of the year. That could be against Louie, or he might decide to vacate and push on.”

Clearly, Visioli is not short of options as he continues to progress in the professional game, with many already tipping the promising stylist for world title success.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber could both be available for selection in Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

Odegaard, 27, has endured a difficult 2025-26 season, missing 21 matches across all competitions due to a number of injuries. He is currently recovering from a knee injury, with his last appearance coming as a substitute in a 4-1 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur last month.

Timber, on the other hand, has been one of Arsenal’s most important players in the ongoing campaign, registering 11 goal involvements in 43 total outings. After being forced off with an ankle issue in a 2-0 win over Everton, he missed his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen earlier this Tuesday.

During a pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked to shed light on Odegaard and Timber’s injuries and whether the pair will be fit to feature against Manchester City. He replied (h/t GOAL):

“We have another training session (on Saturday), so the ones that are in contention hopefully can give us good news. We have another session, so let’s see if they can make it.”

Opining on his selection headache, the Spaniard added:

“Everybody has been involved in the competition, and on the last day when you have the option to be at Wembley, not to give the opportunity for someone to be there, it’s difficult. So, yes, it’s something to think about.”

Arsenal, who have a nine-point lead over City in the Premier League table, boast a fine head-to-head record against Pep Guardiola’s outfit. They are unbeaten in their last six meetings across all competitions against the Cityzens, winning three.

Arsenal told to keep Martin Odegaard

During a chat with FruityKing, ex-Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar suggested that his former team should not cash in on Martin Odegaard in the near future. He said (h/t Metro):

“It would be dangerous for Arsenal to sell Martin Odegaard. The other players rely on him so much. The way he shows for the ball and dictates games, who is he taking the pressure off? Declan Rice and that lets Declan Rice do his stuff. He takes the pressure off Martin Zubimendi too.”

Odegaard, whose Gunners contract will run out in June 2028, has scored 42 goals and provided 45 assists in 225 overall outings for the north London outfit so far. He has captained his side to three straight second-place Premier League finishes and one FA Community Shield win.