Here we go, Gooners! Pre-season is done and Arsenal have their first opportunity to get their hands on some silverware this afternoon when they face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The Premier League champions meet FA Cup winners City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with kick-off at 3pm UK time.
Arsenal v Man City Preview: Champions Ready for First Shot at Silverware in Cardiff
This may be the traditional curtain-raiser ahead of the new season, but neither side is treating it as a friendly. Mikel Arteta has already spoken about the hunger within his squad to lift another trophy, while new City boss Enzo Maresca is equally determined to begin his reign with silverware.
Now we know the Arsenal team tasked with bringing the Shield back to North London.
Confirmed Arsenal team
Arteta has decisions to make in Cardiff
We already knew Arsenal would be without William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, with Saliba continuing his rehabilitation from a back problem and Timber still recovering from the groin injury that kept him out of the World Cup.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi had yet to feature during pre-season heading into this game, although all three returned to training during the week and Arteta indicated they were ready for some involvement.
That makes today’s selection particularly interesting as Arteta balances the fitness of his returning internationals with the opportunity to win the first available trophy of the campaign.
City have issues of their own, with Rodri ruled out after undergoing minor back surgery, while several players returning from the latter stages of the World Cup have also had limited preparation.
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
One more trophy, please Arsenal!
There is certainly no shortage of motivation.
Arsenal have won the Community Shield 17 times, including shared titles, and have lifted it on each of their last five appearances.
We’ve also faced Manchester City three times in this competition and won all three, most recently in 2023 when a late equaliser took the game to penalties before Arsenal won the shootout 4-1.
Arteta himself has a perfect record in the Community Shield too, winning twice as an Arsenal player and twice as manager.
But history won’t win today’s game.
This is a new City under Maresca and an Arsenal side preparing to defend their Premier League crown. Both teams want to lay down an early marker before the serious business of the league campaign begins.
For the Gunners, though, what better way could there be to head into Friday night’s Premier League opener against Coventry City than with another trophy safely tucked away?
So, Gooners, what do you make of Arteta’s starting XI? Has he picked the team you wanted to see, and are Arsenal bringing the Community Shield home from Cardiff? Give us your score predictions in the comments.
COYG!
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