Sunday, 4:00pm: Community Shield – Arsenal vs Manchester City
Manchester City will be looking to win their 15th trophy in six years as they take on Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.
In recent times, England’s home of football has become a second home for the Sky Blues who are set to make their 16th appearance at the ground since Pep Guardiola became manager.
The Citizens are somewhat weakened by the summer departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, though the European champions still boast a wealth of quality among their ranks.
One man who will undoubtedly add to that quality is new signing Mateo Kovacic who could make his competitive City debut.
Arsenal came up short in the Premier League title race last season and they will be looking to send their rivals an early message ahead of the new campaign.
The Gunners love the Community Shield having won their last four appearances in this fixture.
Mikel Arteta has boosted his squad with the signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber over the summer, spending over £200m in the process.
Whether those additions can take Arsenal one step closer to matching Manchester City remains to be seen, though don’t expect the Community Shield to provide a season-indicator.
Manchester City haven’t won the Community Shield for the last three seasons, yet at the same they bagged three consecutive Premier League titles.
City came up short in their last two Shield outings against Liverpool and Leicester. What’s more, the last time they faced Arsenal in this fixture, they were hammered 3-0.
The Gunners will be buoyed by the fact they’re unbeaten on their last three tips to Wembley.
At the same time, Arteta’s men will be less encouraged by their rotten run of results against the Citizens – a run which currently stands at eight straight defeats.
Bearing everything in mind, City are the team to back in the betting. While Arsenal have strengthened since last season, it’s hard to go against the winning pedigree possessed by Guardiola’s men.
