Arsenal vs Man City Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 FA Community Shield
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Premier League champions Arsenal and FA Cup winners Man City kick off their respective seasons with an early chance of more silverware in the form of the Community Shield.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
How to watch online: UK – HBO Max / USA – Fubo
Arsenal preview: Backing up league triumph
Whilst Arsenal enjoyed their best season since the Arsene Wenger noughties era in 2025-26 as they finally won back the Premier League, there was still an element of regret for head coach Mikel Arteta and his players after losing on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. To have not lost a single game in the competition, only to not lift the trophy was no doubt heart-breaking for the Gunners.
However, this is a really strong squad with excellent depth that has already been improved upon over the summer. Arteta has multiple options in each position which allows Arsenal to maintain their intensity and high level of play across the entirety of a game with the use of substitutions.
Man City preview: Post Pep era begins
It’s all change for Man City as they gear up for life without legendary boss Pep Guardiola. His final present was the FA Cup, which they won last season with a one nil victory against Chelsea at Wembley, qualifying them for this year’s Community Shield match. In the Premier League though, they were second best to Arsenal over the course of the campaign, finishing seven points behind the Gunners.
Former Man City coach under Guardiola, Enzo Maresca was named as the club’s new head coach. His last assignment was at Chelsea and prior to that he had enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Leicester City. The decision-makers at the Citizens clearly believe that his style of play will ensure a smooth transition from Guardiola.
Arsenal team news: Defensive duo out
Both William Saliba and Jurrien Timber will play no part in Cardiff, as both are currently injured, so expect Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera to start in their places. Viktor Gyokeres could get the nod over Kai Havertz up top and new signing Christos Tzolis should make his debut.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly; Dowman, Odegaard, Tzolis; Gyokeres
Unavailable: Saliba (Injured), Timber (Injured)
Questionable:
Man City team news: Rodri sitting out
As speculation builds over his future and a prospect move to Barcelona, it’s no surprise that midfield stalwart and World Cup winner Rodri won’t feature in this match as he continues his recovery following back surgery conducted after the tournament.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Dias, Ait Nouri; Gonzalez, Kovacic; Semenyo, Cherki, Foden; Marmoush
Unavailable: Rodri (Injured)
Questionable: Savinho (Illness)
Arsenal vs Man City prediction
When taking into account that Man City have a new head coach and Arsenal are the more settled outfit, even strengthening further with the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, you’d expect the Gunners to enjoy more periods of domination over the course of this game than Man City. Especially as Enzo Maresca tries to implement his ideas and style of play on his new squad.
When you assess the two squads, despite Arsenal’s defensive absentees it’s them who look to be in a much stronger position than their opponents, who are a side in transition post Guardiola. Whilst Man City’s star Norwegian striker Erling Haaland poses a huge threat as always for the Citizens when on the pitch, the Premier League champions should still be backed to topple the FA Cup holders in 90 minutes.
Arsenal vs Man City tip: Arsenal to win
