The top two in the country face off in Cardiff this Sunday in the season's traditional curtain-raiser, as Arsenal face Man City ahead of the 2026 Community Shield.

It's a new era for Man City but with a familiar face, as Enzo Maresca takes to the City dugout for the first time in a competitive game since the departure of Pep Guardiola, having previously worked as his assistant.

Match Build-Up

The biggest story heading into Sunday's game in Cardiff is the change in the Man City dugout. Pep Guardiola's decade in charge of City came to an end at the end of last season, having won everything there is to win, including a historic treble. Enzo Maresca returns to City as their new head coach, having previously worked under Guardiola as an assistant.

In terms of transfer activity, Maresca has certainly been backed by the City board. Elliot Anderson arrived for a then-record £116 million move from Nottingham Forest. They've had a few notable exits, such as Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and James Trafford, but look in a very solid place to compete with Arsenal in the Premier League.

Speaking of transfers, Arsenal have done some shrewd business, notably signing Bruno Guimaraes for £75 million from Newcastle is a standout, and Christos Tzolis could turn out to be a bargain after arriving from Club Brugge.

A signing like Guimaraes is a statement of intent from Mikel Arteta's side. Whilst having the best team in the country last season (that went on to win the league), they aren't pleased with one season of success.

A replay of last season's League Cup final, this should make for a fantastic opener to the season.

View our expert Arsenal v Man City Betting Tips & Bet Builder Predictions.

Arsenal v Man City Cheat Sheet

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Key Talking Points

1. Can Maresca handle the pressure?

Enzo Maresca enjoyed a really successful spell at Chelsea and looked to have them on the right track. That all ended abruptly last season when he suddenly left, with Chelsea confirming it was because the City job was to be available.

He's a top manager, but many top Premier League teams have struggled to replace successful coaches like Guardiola.

2. Wonderboy Max Dowman

Becoming the youngest Premier League scorer in history is an accomplishment that comes with pressure, and Dowman so far has looked like a player who is happy to wear it.

Still only 16, he has plenty of time to develop. Many outlets have him in line to start on Sunday, which could be an indicator of how much he will feature this season.

3. Arteta's approach as Champions

Arsenal scrapped their way to a first Premier League title since 2004 last season, and did so with a defensive-first approach.

Many wonder if this is sustainable or not, and are questioning just how Arsenal will line up tactically when they open the season against Coventry on Friday, August 21st.

Team News & Lineups

Arsenal are still without William Saliba due to a long-term injury picked up in the World Cup semi-final. Another loss is Jurrien Timber, who has been ruled out until late August with an ankle injury.

Rodri is the main injury concern for Man City with a back injury ruling him out until late August, although it's uncertain whether he will be a City player come the end of the transfer window amid interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: Arrizabalaga; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Lewis-Skelly, Havertz; Dowman, Gyökeres, Tzolis

Man City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Reis, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Reijnders; Savinho, Foden, Semenyo; Marmoush

Where To Go Next

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