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Although it’s often brushed aside as a glorified exhibition match, you suspect that both Arsenal and Man City will be bang up for Sunday’s Community Shield clash.
The two clubs have what might be described as a simmering rivalry, and while some of the key protagonists have now left the Cityzens – Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and potentially Rodri – no love is lost between them.
Guardiola and Mikel Arteta had a famous touchline rivalry, with the former mostly enjoying the better of things – the Gunners only defeating Pep’s City four times in 18 attempts.
Replacing the Spaniard comes Enzo Maresca, something of a Guardiola disciple who has amassed an impressive trophy collection during a relatively short coaching career thus far.
The Italian would love to start his personal rivalry with Arteta with victory, make no mistake, while Arteta will no doubt be keen to put his new nemesis in his place.
There’s the added context that these two sides will likely be involved in a close title race again in 2026/27 – the betting odds certainly suggest as much – so getting an early season confidence boost, while denting the mood of the opposition, will be somewhere near the top of the to-do list.
That determination might not inform the team selections, however, with both sides likely to field some fringe players and youngsters as they continue to give maximum rest time to those involved at the World Cup.
Perhaps this game will come down to who has the strongest squad….
Arsenal v Man City Tips
Man City to Lift the Trophy @ 19/20 (Bet365)
Both Teams to Score @ 7/10 (Bet365)
Under 3.5 Cards @ 5/6 (Bet365)
Odds courtesy of Bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Strength In Depth
Maresca must be licking his lips at the prospect of managing this stellar Manchester City squad.
He can perm his attacking options from the likes of Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush, Savinho and so on. That means you know that any combination he fields on Sunday will be strong.
Depth, meanwhile, isn’t necessarily a luxury Arsenal have, with William Saliba out for the foreseeable future with injury, Jurrien Timber also struggling to regain fitness and question marks over the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, whose long, tough 2025/26 seasons were extended at the World Cup.
Factor in the ongoing injury woes of Bukayo Saka and the loss of Leandro Trossard, and in certain areas the Gunners look a little stretched.
When the team news is announced on Sunday afternoon, it’s possible that City’s odds will plunge – they will surely field the stronger starting 11. Take the 19/20 on them to lift the trophy now while you still can.
Tip: Man City to Lift the Trophy @ 19/20 (Bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if Man City are crowned as the winners after 90 minutes or penalties.
History Lessons
Five of the last six meetings between these two teams have witnessed both teams scoring.
Even though Pep is gone, City’s philosophy surely won’t change a great deal under Maresca, who learned his trade as a coach under Guardiola.
The absence of Saliba, who is rock solid alongside Gabriel at the heart of defence, certainly aids BTTS bets as well.
Tip: Both Teams to Score @ 7/10 (Bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if both teams find the net, irrespective of the final score.
A Clean Start
You won’t be surprised to know that, historically, the Community Shield hasn’t been a game of fouls and cards.
Part of that might be the fact players don't want to over-stretch themselves, or over commit and risk injury before what will be another long campaign.
And that pattern may continue in 2026 with Samuel Barrott on the whistle. He ranked 23rd of 23 Premier League referees for fouls given last season, and 14th for cards shown.
Tip: Under 3.5 Cards @ 5/6 (Bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if there are three or fewer cards.
Arsenal vs Man City: Match result odds
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.