Manchester City and Arsenal Reveal Lineups for FA Community Shield
Manchester City and Arsenal have announced their starting lineups ahead of today’s FA Community Shield match at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. This match marks the kickoff for the 2026-27 season, pitting last season’s FA Cup champions against the Premier League winners in what promises to be a closely contested encounter.
For Manchester City, this match serves as Enzo Maresca’s inaugural competitive fixture as head coach. Maresca has evaluated his squad during three previous friendly matches. However, several key players—including Erling Haaland, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson, Rayan Cherki, Rodri, and Jeremy Doku—were unavailable due to their participation in the World Cup. All of those players, with the exception of Rodri, are set to take the field today.
Tijjani Reijnders is unlikely to play in today’s game as he is reportedly close to finalizing a permanent transfer to Al Qadsiah, which means he probably will not be included in City’s matchday squad. Additionally, Brazilian winger Savinho may miss out after falling ill prior to the match. He is also rumored to be seeking a summer transfer to Tottenham, and his absence from the squad today might indicate a shift in his future.
Here are the starting lineups for both teams in the FA Community Shield.
Manchester City
Maresca has chosen what may be his strongest available lineup for this match. Abdukodir Khusanov starts in right-back position, with Matheus Nunes on the bench. In the midfield, Elliot Anderson makes his debut starting appearance for Manchester City, alongside Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden. Striker Erling Haaland leads the attack, supported by wingers Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo.
Starting lineup: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovacic, Elliot Anderson, Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland.
Substitutes: Rulli, Guehi, Marmoush, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Ait-Nouri, Nunes, Lewis.
Arsenal
Manchester City and Arsenal have confirmed their starting lineups ahead of today’s FA Community Shield clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Today’s match represents the opening of the 2026-27 season. Last season’s FA Cup winners will take on the Premier League champions in what should be another tight battle between the two teams.
Today’s match is Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match as the manager of Manchester City. Maresca has had a look at his team across the three friendlies his team has played. However, those three matches saw Erling Haaland, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson, Rayan Cherki, Rodri and Jeremy Doku all ne unavailable after their World Cup exploits. With the exception of Rodri, all of those players are available for today’s match.
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Tijjani Reijnders is unlikely to play any role for Manchester City in today’s game. Reijnders is close to completing a permanent move to Al Qadsiah. It is unlikely that he will be included in City’s matchday squad. Savinho is the other player who may not feature today. The Brazilian winger failed to train on Thursday due to illness. He is also pushing for a summer move to Tottenham and if he isn’t named in City’s squad that may be an indication of where Savinho’s future lies.
Here are both teams starting lineups for the FA Community Shield.
Manchester City
Enzo Maresca has selected arguably his strongest available starting eleven for today’s match. Abdukodir Khusanov starts at right-back with Matheus Nunes on the bench. In midfield, Elliot Anderson makes his first start for Manchester City with Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden joining Anderson in midfield. Up front, Erling Haaland starts with Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo on the wings.
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Starting lineup: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovacic, Elliot Anderson, Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland.
Substitutes: Rulli, Guehi, Marmoush, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Ait-Nouri, Nunes, Lewis.
Arsenal
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