Arsenal's hopes of securing the Carabao Cup have received a significant boost following Manchester City's challenging fixture draw for the FA Cup. After a convincing 4-0 victory against Wigan Athletic in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, Arsenal's momentum seems to be in their favor as they prepare for the final match against City. The draw for the FA Cup fifth round, however, has put pressure on City's efforts as they face off against Newcastle United, a team they have recently defeated but whose unpredictable nature remains a concern.

In contrast, Arsenal's path appears easier, as they have been paired with Mansfield Town, a League One side that recently upset Burnley. This favorable draw for Arsenal coincides with a period of success and confidence under manager Mikel Arteta, making them more capable of handling the pressure as they advance in both competitions. This situation places City in a precarious position where they must balance their squad rotation and recovery time leading up to crucial matches.

The implications of these fixtures are significant. If Arsenal can maintain their current form and City stumbles in their FA Cup tie, the momentum could swing heavily in favor of Arsenal as they advance to contest the Carabao Cup final. With both teams vying for titles, the fixture congestion for City raises questions about squad depth and management as they pursue success on multiple fronts, which could affect their performance in the cup final against Arsenal, a key match-up in the season's climax.