Manchester City vs Arsenal: Predicted City starting lineup and team news

Manchester City will kick off their 2026-27 season with an FA Community Shield match against Arsenal at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. This encounter, which is viewed as a friendly by Enzo Maresca, offers the Premier League champions their first chance to claim silverware this season.

Rodri, the Spanish midfielder, is expected to be absent from today's game due to recent back surgery following the World Cup. It remains uncertain if he will ever return to training or play for City again, as speculation about a potential move to Barcelona looms.

Tijjani Reijnders and Savinho are unlikely to feature in City's lineup. Reijnders is close to finalizing a transfer to Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, while Savinho missed Thursday's training session due to illness and is rumored to be a target for Tottenham.

Despite sitting out the final stages of Manchester City's open training, Erling Haaland may start on the bench for today's match. The Norwegian striker's absence is attributed to precautionary measures following a busy summer with Norway.

Ryan McAidoo, who missed Manchester City's final two preseason friendlies in Asia due to a shoulder injury, may have a chance to contribute in today's match. However, his availability remains uncertain at this stage.