Arsenal vs Manchester City – Predicted lineup and team news

Arsenal and Manchester City are set to clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, 16 August 2026, as part of the FA Community Shield. Mikel Arteta's side, who secured the Premier League title last season after a 22-year drought, will be looking to add another trophy to their collection prior to the new campaign. Manchester City, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, will serve as their opponent.

Arsenal's team news reveals that William Saliba will be absent due to a back injury, and Jurrien Timber is sidelined with a groin issue. These two players were integral to Arteta's defensive setup last term, and their unavailability presents a significant challenge for the manager. To cover for their absence, Arsenal is exploring the possibility of signing Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa; however, no formal agreement has been reached.

Saka and Rice have recently returned from their World Cup duties with England and are expected to be involved in the match, although they are more likely to feature on the bench than start. Bruno Guimarães is set to make his first Arsenal start, while Christos Tzolis, signed from Club Brugge, will partner him in central midfield.

Tzolis replaces Leandro Trossard, who had been injured. Noni Madueke and Martin Ødegaard will cover the right and left flanks, respectively, with David Raya in goal behind a makeshift defense comprising Ben White, Carlos Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhães, and Piero Hincapie.