Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice could be thrown straight back into Arsenal’s starting XI when Mikel Arteta’s side face Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield.
Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Man City has become considerably stronger after Arteta confirmed Saka, Rice and Martin Zubimendi are all available for the trip to Cardiff.
The trio only recently returned following extended breaks after the World Cup, but Arteta said they trained on Friday and would be involved provided they came through Saturday’s session as expected. Reuters confirmed the three Arsenal stars are available.
Sunday therefore gives Arteta his first opportunity to field something close to his strongest side before the Premier League title defence begins.
Here is a roundup of all the Predicted Lineups from Planet FPL’s 20 correspondents: ✍️
Starting with:
ARSENAL – @ThreeFiveWho
“Calafiori adds a much needed attacking dimension over Hincapie”
– The expected back 4
– Lewis-Skelly and Dowman to start with Rice and Saka/Madueke… pic.twitter.com/FySPiU3Rkl
— FPL Meerkat (@FPLMeerkat) August 14, 2026
Arsenal predicted XI vs Man City
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze.
David Raya should retain his place after returning for Wednesday’s final pre-season game against Como, where he saved two penalties in Arsenal’s shootout victory. Bruno Guimaraes also made his unofficial debut in that fixture and provides Arteta with another major midfield option.
Defence presents the clearest selection issue.
William Saliba remains unavailable because of the back injury he suffered at the World Cup, while Jurrien Timber is still several weeks away from returning.
Cristhian Mosquera should therefore partner Gabriel Magalhaes centrally, with Ben White and Piero Hincapie completing the back four.
Arsenal’s shortage of defensive options has already prompted action in the transfer market, with ReadArsenal reporting that the Gunners have made a move for Jarell Quansah.
Saka and Rice decisions give Arteta selection dilemma
Midfield is considerably harder to predict.
Guimaraes has already accumulated some Arsenal minutes, but Zubimendi and Rice were central to last season’s title-winning side. If Arteta is satisfied with their fitness, both could immediately return alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
Rice and Saka had physical issues towards the end of last season, making their workload particularly important after the World Cup. ReadArsenal previously detailed their delayed pre-season return, along with the decisions Arteta would eventually have to make before this fixture.
Saka is nevertheless difficult to leave out if he is ready.
Arteta can use Noni Madueke if he wants to be cautious, but Sunday’s game offers Saka an important opportunity to regain competitive rhythm before Coventry City visit the Emirates on Friday.
Viktor Gyokeres should lead the line after making clear this week that Arsenal view the Community Shield as a trophy rather than a friendly.
Eberechi Eze gets the final attacking place in our predicted XI.
Arteta has plenty of alternatives, but the availability of Saka and Rice suddenly gives Arsenal the chance to start the new campaign with a side much closer to full strength.
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