ARS VS MCI: Man City’s Confirmed Team News And Best Possible Starting Line-up Against Arsenal
According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Friday, August 14, 2026, Manchester City have received positive news regarding Erling Haaland’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal.
There had been some concern surrounding the Norwegian striker after he was unable to complete Thursday’s open training session. However, Haaland has since been given the green light to feature against Arsenal.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that the issue is not considered serious. However, Haaland’s limited involvement during pre-season could influence whether he is selected from the start at the Principality Stadium.
The striker has been allowed additional recovery time following Norway’s extended run at the FIFA World Cup. As a result, Omar Marmoush could once again be considered for the central attacking position.
Marmoush strengthened his case during City’s 3-1 pre-season victory over Atletico Madrid, scoring twice and providing an encouraging performance ahead of the new campaign.
Maresca also faces several decisions in midfield. Tijjani Reijnders is expected to leave the club for Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, which could open the door for Mateo Kovacic to feature in the starting XI.
Nico Gonzalez is currently the leading candidate to partner Kovacic, although Rico Lewis and Elliot Anderson remain possible alternatives.
Anderson has only recently returned to full training, potentially giving Gonzalez the advantage in the battle for a starting position.
Rodri, meanwhile, will not be available for the Community Shield as he continues his recovery from back surgery.
At left-back, Rayan Ait-Nouri could be rewarded with a starting place after impressing during City’s pre-season preparations.
His inclusion would allow Josko Gvardiol to move into central defence alongside Ruben Dias, providing City with a strong defensive partnership.
Further forward, Phil Foden is expected to play in the attacking midfield role behind the main striker.
Antoine Semenyo and Jérémy Doku could operate on either flank, with Doku’s recent contract extension further underlining his importance to Maresca’s plans.
Based on the latest team news, Manchester City’s potential starting XI could be Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Rayan Ait-Nouri forming the defensive line.
Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez could occupy the midfield positions, while Semenyo, Foden and Doku support Omar Marmoush in attack.
Potential Manchester City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez; Semenyo, Foden, Doku; Marmoush.
Unavailable: Rodri.
City will hope Haaland’s positive fitness update allows him to play some part in the Community Shield, although Maresca may take a cautious approach given the striker’s limited pre-season preparation.
COURTESY: Louis1dk
