Arsenal and Manchester City meet at Millennium Stadium in the 2026 Community Shield, with Arsenal entering the match as the reigning Premier League champions and Manchester City as the FA Cup winners. The traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season brings together two of the country's leading sides.
With the latest team news, pre-season form and player statistics available, here's our full Arsenal vs Manchester City prediction, head-to-head record, key stats and expected lineups.
Match Details
Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
Match | Arsenal vs Manchester City |
Competition | Community Shield |
Date | August 16, 2026 |
Kick-off | 3:00 PM BST |
Venue | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff |
Referee | Samuel Barrott |
Latest Team News & Form
Arsenal
Arsenal have had a mixed pre-season ahead of the Community Shield, recording one win, one draw and two defeats in their four matches. They opened with a 4-1 victory over Girona before losing 3-1 to Real Betis. Arsenal then lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup, although they won the subsequent penalty shootout 5-4. Their final pre-season game ended in a 1-1 draw against Como, with Arsenal again winning on penalties, this time 4-3.
Arsenal are also dealing with defensive concerns ahead of the match. Jurriën Timber is expected to remain sidelined until late August with an ankle injury, while William Saliba is also carrying a back problem. Their availability could influence Mikel Arteta's defensive selection against Manchester City.
Manchester City
Manchester City have also enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season in normal time. They drew 1-1 with Inter Milan before losing 3-1 on penalties, then recorded consecutive 3-1 victories over the K-League All Stars and Atlético Madrid.
City's main injury concern is Rodri, who is expected to remain out until late August with a back injury. His absence could be significant against Arsenal, particularly in midfield, where City's ability to control possession and protect the defence will be tested.
Arsenal vs Manchester City: Head-to-Head
Arsenal and Manchester City have faced each other twice previously in the Community Shield, with Arsenal winning both meetings. The first came in 1934, when Arsenal defeated City 4-0 at Highbury, while their most recent Community Shield meeting came in 2014, when Arsenal recorded a 3-0 victory at Wembley Stadium.
Date | Competition | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
1934 | Community Shield | Arsenal 4-0 Manchester City | Arsenal win |
2014 | Community Shield | Arsenal 3-0 Manchester City | Arsenal win |
Community Shield record:
Arsenal: 2 wins · Draws: 0 · Manchester City: 0 wins
Recent Form: Last 6 Matches
Date | Competition | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
April 19, 2026 | Premier League | Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal | Manchester City win |
March 22, 2026 | EFL Cup | Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City | Manchester City win |
September 21, 2025 | Premier League | Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City | Draw |
February 2, 2025 | Premier League | Arsenal 5-1 Manchester City | Arsenal win |
September 22, 2024 | Premier League | Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal | Draw |
March 31, 2024 | Premier League | Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal | Draw |
Last six meetings: Manchester City 2 wins · Arsenal 1 win · 3 draws
Arsenal vs Manchester City: Key Stats & Comparison
Premier League statistics for the 2025/26 season.
Stat | Arsenal | Manchester City |
|---|---|---|
Competition | Premier League | Premier League |
Matches | 38 | 38 |
Wins | 26 | 23 |
Draws | 7 | 9 |
Losses | 5 | 6 |
Goals scored | 71 | 77 |
Goals conceded | 27 | 35 |
Goals per game | 1.87 | 2.03 |
Possession | 56.4% | 60.6% |
Passing accuracy | 84.6% | 88.7% |
Clean sheets | 19 | 15 |
Arsenal vs Manchester City: Key Players to Watch
Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal
Arsenal’s creative heartbeat. His vision and ability to find space between the lines could be crucial against City’s midfield.
Bruno Guimarães – Arsenal
The Brazilian midfielder will be key to Arsenal’s control and intensity in the middle of the pitch, particularly in the battle against City’s Kovacic and González.
Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City
One of City’s biggest attacking threats. His pace, physicality and ability in one-on-one situations could cause problems for Arsenal’s back line.
Gianluigi Donnarumma – Manchester City
With Haaland expected to start on the bench, Donnarumma could be one of the most interesting players to watch as he prepares to make his competitive debut for City this season.
Arsenal vs Manchester City: Expected Lineups
Predicted lineups based on the latest team news and player availability.
Arsenal
4-2-3-1: David Raya; Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori; Bruno Guimarães, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Max Dowman, Martin Ødegaard, Christos Tzolis; Kai Havertz.
Manchester City
4-2-3-1: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, Rayan Aït-Nouri; Mateo Kovačić, Nico González; Savinho, Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo; Omar Marmoush.
How to Watch Arsenal vs Manchester City: TV Channel & Live Stream
Arsenal and Manchester City will meet in the 2026 FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00pm BST.
TV channel: In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. It will also be available through Prime Video.
Live stream: UK viewers can stream the match live via HBO Max, NOW TV and Prime Video, depending on their subscription.
International broadcast details vary by country, so viewers outside the UK should check their local listings for the available TV channel or streaming service.
Arsenal vs Manchester City: Prediction
Arsenal head into the Community Shield as slight favourites, but this should be a closely contested encounter between the Premier League champions and FA Cup holders. Arsenal have looked well prepared during pre-season, while Manchester City are entering a new era under Enzo Maresca.
With both sides still working out their best combinations, the match could be decided by moments of individual quality rather than sustained dominance. Arsenal’s midfield, led by Martin Ødegaard and Bruno Guimarães, could give them an edge in controlling the tempo, while City’s pace in attack remains a major threat.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City
Arsenal vs Manchester City FAQs
When is Arsenal vs Manchester City?
Arsenal vs Manchester City will be played on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in the FA Community Shield.
What time does Arsenal vs Manchester City kick off?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM BST.
Where is Arsenal vs Manchester City being played?
The match will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, rather than Wembley.
How can I watch Arsenal vs Manchester City?
In the UK, the Community Shield will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and HBO Max. Additional streaming options include NOW TV and Prime Video, depending on the service and subscription.
Who are the key players to watch?
For Arsenal, Martin Ødegaard and Bruno Guimarães are the key players to watch. For Manchester City, Antoine Semenyo and Gianluigi Donnarumma could play important roles.
What are the predicted lineups for Arsenal and Manchester City?
Arsenal are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, while Manchester City are also expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, based on the latest team news and player availability.
Is Erling Haaland expected to start?
Haaland has returned to training ahead of the Community Shield, but his availability to start remains a selection decision for Enzo Maresca.
What is the head-to-head record between Arsenal and Manchester City?
Across their last six meetings, Manchester City have two wins, Arsenal have one, and three matches have ended in draws.
Who has the better Community Shield record between Arsenal and Manchester City?
Arsenal have won both of their previous Community Shield meetings with Manchester City, including a 4-0 victory in 1934 and a 3-0 victory in 2014.
Who is expected to win Arsenal vs Manchester City?
Arsenal are slight favourites in our prediction. Predicted score: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City.