Manchester City to edge Community Shield season opener against Arsenal – Sunday 14:00
Manchester City are once again on the hunt for trophies in the Community Sheid clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. But will they be that bothered?
City eventually brushed Arsenal aside in the Premier League last season, and could easily do it again at Wembley if they come out of third gear.
On the other hand Arsenal will be wanting to put a firm stamp on their intentions ahead of the new season, especially with some shiny new signings to parade on the hallowed turf of the home of football.
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 will be looking to win their fifteenth trophy in six years, though the Community Shield hasn’t been a happy hunting ground – they haven’t win it for the last three seasons.
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 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.
Verdict
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.
However, City are the team to back in the betting and it’s hard to go against the winning pedigree possessed by Pep Guardiola’s men.
Score prediction:
Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
