Arsenal's Petr Cech expects David Ospina to start EFL Cup Final clash with Manchester City

Petr Cech has confirmed he expects rival Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina to start in Sunday’s EFL Cup Final against Manchester City.

Cech is established as manager Arsene Wenger’s first-choice but the Gunners boss is set to honour an agreement struck with Ospina that ensures he will play in the cup competitions, despite calls to name Arsenal’s strongest side for the first major showpiece final of the season.

Ospina has featured in every game apart from the club’s fourth round clash against Norwich – when Wenger opted for youngster Matt Macey instead of Cech with Ospina out injured – and looks set to win the race to play at Wembley, where he also featured in last year’s FA Cup Final success over Chelsea.

“At the start, it was clear that it was going to be like that,” said Cech. “I will be there with the team supporting but I don't expect to play. It is always hard to watch any game from the bench or even from the stand if you are not selected because as a player you always want to be involved.

“But obviously you are in a professional club where there are 25 top players and the manager always makes his choices for the game and you need to accept that.”

Ospina has made just 10 appearances this season – not one of which has come in the League – but is set to play three games in a week as he looks likely to retain his place for Thursday’s Europa League last 32, second leg against Ostersund.

The 29-year-old has been keen to leave Arsenal in the last two summers but was convinced to stay by Wenger and he admitted limited game-time has been hard to deal with.

“It’s difficult but the key to it is having a strong mentality,” he said. “Of course I’d like to play every week but I respect the manager’s decision.

“It’s tough when you can only select one keeper for a game. But I want to enjoy the opportunities I get, make the most of them and wait for my chance to play in the Premier League. You have to prepare as though you’re going to play every game.

“It can be tough to play maybe a couple of games a month, especially when they are as big as this one. But you just need to focus and be ready. I have a very good relationship with Petr, and that helps.”