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Expected Arsenal line-up against Manchester City

By on August 15, 2026

Arsenal are set to face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

After winning the Premier League title last term, the Gunners reached the Champions League final. However, they unfortunately lost the game against Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

On the other hand, Man City won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup under Pep Guardiola last term. But following the legendary Spanish boss’ departure, the Citizens are set to commence a new era under Enzo Maresca’s guidance.

Team news

Jurrien Timber has been out injured over the last few months and is likely to be unavailable to feature this weekend. William Saliba has been ruled out for several months due to a serious back problem.

Arsenal have signed Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier and Bruno Guimaraes thus far in this window, and the trio should be available to be involved in this game.

Meanwhile, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have just returned from holiday after playing the World Cup with their respective countries.

So, they might not be ready enough to start this game. On the other hand, Christian Norgaard has joined Everton permanently in this window.

Predicted line-up

Mikel Arteta is likely to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, meaning Raya and Meslier might be among the substitutes. In front of the Spaniard, Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhaes should be the centre-back pairing for Arsenal.

Ben White is expected to be the right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori could be on the opposite side. Therefore, Piero Hincapié would have to make do with a place on the bench.

Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly may get the nod to start as the double midfield pivot, with Martin Odegaard expected to be the creative midfielder for the Gunners. So, Rice, Eze and Zubimendi would be among the substitutes.

Tzolis might commence on the left flank, while Max Dowman could be on the opposite side. Kai Havertz should be deployed as the striker. In that case, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli may feature off the bench. Saka and Madueke might also start on the bench.

Expected Arsenal line-up vs Man City:

Kepa; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes, Odegaard; Tzolis, Havertz, Dowman

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