Arsenal v Manchester City - 2026 FA Community Shield
Bukayo Saka should start for the Gunners in attack (Image: Getty)
Arsenal will play their first Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium since being crowned champions when they welcome newly-promoted Coventry City. It’s a meeting between the winners of England’s top two tiers, with the Gunners looking to go back-to-back for the first time since 1935.
They can get off to a perfect start against the Sky Blues, while sending a statement to the rest of the league that they mean business. And ahead of the Premier League opener, Express Sport have detailed the north Londoners’ most likely starting XI.
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No messing about, straight in there with the best goalkeeper in the league. David Raya made some splendid saves in the Community Shield win over Manchester City and will be a crucial part of any success Arsenal have this season.
With William Saliba still injured and Ezri Konsa’s transfer not complete, expect Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera to partner each other in defence. Jurrien Timber is still injured, meaning Ben White will likely get a run-out at right back. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori looked super sharp during the Community Shield victory, with the Italian almost certain to start the season at left-back for Arsenal.
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Arsenal v Manchester City - 2026 FA Community Shield
Bruno Guimaraes is a doubt for tonight's match (Image: Getty)
Bruno Guimaraes is the one to watch in the middle of the park. The midfielder was substituted during Sunday’s win over City at half-time, with suggestions he might’ve picked up a knock. If that’s true, it’s unlikely Mikel Arteta will risk him for this one, meaning Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly can be expected to start in midfield. Pulling the strings just in front is Martin Odegaard, who is being tipped to have a strong season.
Perhaps a department that Arsenal fans might’ve wanted to see a bit more business in this summer. Christos Tzolis is the only new attacking addition, and while the Greek international has looked good, he isn’t quite Vinicius Junior. That being said, he should still get a chance to impress on the left, with Bukayo Saka returning to the starting XI on the right, and Kai Havertz given the nod up front.