The domestic action in England kicks off this weekend with the traditional curtain raiser taking place at Wembley Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s treble winners will look to kickstart their domestic season, as they take on last season’s Premier League runners-up Arsenal.
Community Shield Preview
The 101st Community Shield will signal the start of the new domestic season in England. Manchester City will be involved in the match for the third straight season, but they will be bidding to avenge defeats in each of the previous two editions. City’s last win in the Community Shield came back in 2019, as they recorded a penalty shootout success over Liverpool.
City will be fighting on all fronts once again this season, as they look to defend the three trophies that they won in 2023-24. However, there have been some significant departures throughout the summer, with both Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez leaving the club. The champions remain in the market, but they have only been able to bring in Mateo Kovacic to this point. They will certainly need to enhance their squad before the deadline.
Arsenal will be competing in the Community Shield for the first time since 2020 where they beat Liverpool on penalties. In fact, the Gunners have won each of their previous four appearances that they have made in the competition, which includes a 3-0 win over City in 2014.
The Gunners will be looking to go one better than they managed in the Premier League last term, and Mikel Arteta has spent big this summer in order to enhance their chances. The record-breaking signing of Declan Rice for over £100 million is their standout addition, while Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber both improve the squad.
Manchester City vs Arsenal Head to Head
City boasts an excellent record over Arsenal, as they have won each of the previous eight matches. That includes a dominant 4-1 win in the previous clash between the sides in April. Arsenal’s last win over City was a 2-0 success in July 2020.
Manchester City vs Arsenal Prediction
Man City don’t appear ready for the new season, as they have been uncharacteristically slow in adding to their squad. This could be a big opportunity for the Gunners to put down a marker for the new season, and we could see them securing a 2-0 win at Wembley.
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