Arsenal vs Manchester City – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·16 August 2026

Arsenal vs Manchester City – Predicted lineup and team news

Arsenal face Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday afternoon in the FA Community Shield, beginning their title defence with silverware on the line.

Mikel Arteta’s side won the Premier League by seven points last season — their first title in 22 years. The Community Shield offers the chance to add another trophy before the league campaign begins. City, under new manager Enzo Maresca, are the opponents and the measure of where Arsenal stand heading into the new season.

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Arsenal team news

William Saliba is ruled out with a back injury and Jurrien Timber is absent with a groin problem. The pair were central to Arsenal’s defensive structure last season and their simultaneous absence creates real selection challenges for Arteta. The club is pushing to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa as emergency cover, though a deal has not been concluded.

Saka and Rice have returned to training this week following their World Cup commitments with England. Arteta confirmed they will be available for the Community Shield: “They trained with us today, they will train tomorrow. If they are in the condition we expect them to be, they will be involved.” Given the cautious language, both are more likely to feature from the bench than from the start.

Bruno Guimarães is set to make his first Arsenal start. The Brazilian featured off the bench in the Gunners’ final pre-season match against Como in midweek and could come into the starting lineup in Cardiff. He partners Myles Lewis-Skelly in central midfield. Christos Tzolis, signed from Club Brugge to replace Leandro Trossard, starts on the left flank after an impressive pre-season.

Noni Madueke covers the right, with Martin Ødegaard operating behind Kai Havertz, who is Arteta’s preferred central striker in big matches. David Raya continues in goal behind a makeshift back four of Ben White, Carlos Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhães and Piero Hincapie.