Manchester City comes into this showdown after a recent 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in a friendly match, while Arsenal retained the Emirates Cup by defeating Monaco. Manchester City had a triumphant summer, celebrating their treble victories, while Arsenal secured their place in the Community Shield by finishing second in the 2022-23 Premier League season. Though they couldn't clinch the league title, Arsenal's campaign surpassed expectations, and now they have a chance to win some silverware on Sunday.
In addition to their Emirates Cup win, Arsenal defeated Barcelona and the MLS All-Stars, and despite a loss to Manchester United, they've been in good form. Arsenal has a strong history with the Community Shield, winning each of their last four matches in the competition and only losing two out of their last ten. They have a special connection with this tournament.
On the other hand, Manchester City had a fantastic 2022-23 season, winning three major trophies. They went on a tour of Japan and South Korea, securing an impressive 8-3 victory against Yokohama F. Marinos and a 2-1 win against Bayern Munich. However, they suffered a defeat against Atletico Madrid.
While Arsenal's recent Community Shield success in 2015 saw them beat Manchester City 3-0, they haven't fared well against the European champions in more recent encounters, losing eight times in a row since the 2019-20 FA Cup semi-finals.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal may be seen as the underdogs against Manchester City, given the latter's recent successes, but the Community Shield is known for surprises, and both teams will be eager to start the new season with a trophy.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Arsenal's number nine, Gabriel Jesus, who used to play for Manchester City, won't be able to have a reunion with his former team due to complications with his previous knee injury. He underwent a small operation and will miss the first few weeks of the season as a result.Oleksandr Zinchenko, another former Manchester City player, may also miss the match due to a calf issue. Additionally, Mohamed Elneny (knee), Reiss Nelson (toe), and Albert Sambi Lokonga (muscle) are also unavailable. Lokonga's absence is not only due to injury but also because he might be leaving the club soon.
With Folarin Balogun recovering from a foot injury, Eddie Nketiah, who scored Arsenal's equalizer in the Emirates Cup, is expected to lead the attack. Bukayo Saka is set to return to the squad after being sidelined with illness during the midweek clash with Monaco.
While Arsenal is reportedly pursuing the signing of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, Aaron Ramsdale is still considered the first-choice goalkeeper for now and will start in goal at Wembley.
On the Manchester City side, Kevin De Bruyne is still recovering from a hamstring tear he sustained in the Champions League final, and it's expected that he won't be available for the match against Arsenal.
However, there's good news for Manchester City as Nathan Ake is expected to be fit for the match after sitting out the friendly against Atletico Madrid due to fatigue. The team is also looking to sign RB Leipzig's highly sought-after defender, Josko Gvardiol, for a fee of €90m (£77.6m), but it's uncertain if the deal will be completed in time for him to make his debut on Sunday. Nevertheless, Mateo Kovacic is likely to make his first appearance for Manchester City in the match.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:Ramsdale; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, Kovacic, Foden, Grealish; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester City
As for Manchester City, they've also had difficulties in keeping a solid defense. Considering Kevin De Bruyne's fitness concerns, they might not dominate Arsenal as they have done in previous encounters. However, being the treble winners, they still have the potential to upset Arsenal's hopes of winning the Community Shield and add a seventh title to their collection.
